Carol Nolan
Ceist:1145. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to discontinue the JobPath scheme at the end of 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4045/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobPath Programme
Ceisteanna (1145)
Freagraí scríofa
In 2019, my Department activated the extension provisions within the existing contracts of both JobPath providers that will enable referrals to the JobPath service until end-2020.
My Department is currently reviewing all contracted public employment services. This review is being undertaken with the aim of designing and introducing a comprehensive model that is fit for purpose for the Irish labour market from 2021 onwards.
This work is on-going and it is anticipated that the final report will be completed in the coming months.
JobPath Programme
Ceisteanna (1146)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:1146. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will be removed from the commitments of JobPath due to their circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4056/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
JobPath is a part of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s activation service the key objective of which is to assist jobseekers of all skills and abilities to secure full-time sustainable employment.
All Jobseekers on the Live Register must be capable of; available for and actively seeking full time employment, they are also required to engage with the Department’s activation services. The Social Welfare (Consolidated) Act 2005, as amended, specifies that participation in activation meetings is mandatory for those in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance.
The 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 provider 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. Please note that fares are covered for the cheapest travel method available and taxi fares are generally not refunded. Clients should present their ticket/receipt and there should be no requirement to contact the Community Welfare Service in respect of JobPath costs.
Currently, in line with all contracted activation services provided on behalf of the Department, the JobPath providers are delivering tele services only thereby negating the need for customers to attend the provider's offices. This matter is under continual review and will be revised in line with general public health advice.
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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits Reviews
Ceisteanna (1147)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1147. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a payment for a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4068/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 3 March 2020 a review was requested on behalf of the person concerned, as there is means assessed on his disability allowance (DA).
The person concerned was requested to supply supporting documentation on 9 March 2020 regarding his spouse's employment, which is required by the deciding officer in order to carry out this review of his entitlement.
On receipt of this information a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome of his review.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Benefit Applications
Ceisteanna (1148)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:1148. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on a carer's benefit application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4086/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.
To qualify the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 12 February 2020.
The evidence submitted in support of this application has been examined and the deciding officer requires more information in order to process the application.
An information request has been issued today 4 March 2020 and the application will be processed on receipt of same.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (1149)
James Browne
Ceist:1149. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding commercial employers’ treatment of the mandatory pensionable age as 65 years of age in view of the fact the State pension age is now 67 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4091/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State pension age is currently 66 years of age.
In order to provide for sustainable pensions and to facilitate a longer working life, legislation passed in 2011 provides for an increase in the State pension age in three separate stages. This began in January 2014 with the abolition of the State pension (transition) which was available to people aged 65 who satisfied the qualifying conditions. This measure standardised the State pension age for all at 66 years. This will be increased to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028. The Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018-2023 has stated that any future changes in State pension age after 2035 will be based on research into life expectancy.
There is no legally mandated retirement age in the State, and the age at which employees retire is a matter for the contract of employment between them and their employers. While such a contract may have been entered into with a retirement date of 65, there is no legal impediment to the employer and employee agreeing to increase the duration of employment for one or more years, if both parties wish to do so.
In this regard, the Workplace Relations Commission has produced a Code of Practice on Longer Working and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has published guidance material for employers on the use of fixed-term contracts beyond normal retirement age. People are living longer and healthier lives. Many of them may want to continue working after 65 and these resources can facilitate them in their choice.
In most cases, it is hoped that workers will continue to work up to State pension age. Where this is not possible, there are specific measures which apply to someone claiming financial support from a date after their 65th birthday. Where qualified, these recipients may continue to be eligible for that payment until reaching pension age.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Benefit Payments
Ceisteanna (1150)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1150. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status on the review for a carer's benefit for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4149/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.
To qualify the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
The person concerned applied for CARB on the 23 December 2019 but was disallowed on the grounds they were not providing full time care and attention on 20 February 2020.
A review was submitted and the original decision was overturned. The person concerned has been awarded Carer's Benefit and a decision letter issued on 5 March 2020.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Applications
Ceisteanna (1151)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:1151. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an invalidity pension application by a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4151/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Invalidity 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 07 May 2019. His application was disallowed on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied and he was engaged in farming activities. He was notified on 04 September 2019 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
The gentleman requested a review of this decision and following a recent review a deciding officer has confirmed the original decision to disallow the claim. He was notified on 03 March 2020 of the outcome of the review and advised to lodge a late appeal of the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Insurance
Ceisteanna (1152)
Peter Burke
Ceist:1152. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated impact on the public pay bill by the introduction of a 15.75% rate of employer's PRSI on portion of salaries over €100,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4180/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The estimated impact on the public sector pay bill by the introduction of a 15.75% rate of employer PRSI on portion of salaries over €100,000 is approximately €16 million.
This estimate does not take into account any possible changes in employer or employee behaviour arising from changing the rate of employer PRSI contribution. Nor does it take into consideration any of the impacts arising from the measures being taken to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals Status
Ceisteanna (1153)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1153. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4182/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10 December 2019. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1154)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1154. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the protections or measures in place or to be put in place in scenarios related to the Covid-19 outbreak (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4227/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The existing suite of employment rights legislation continues to apply throughout the period affected by the Covid pandemic. The full range of employment rights protections contained in, inter alia, the Payment of Wages Act 1991, the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, and the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2014 remain applicable.
Employees and employers, most of whom have now been engaging for several weeks in reaching reasonable arrangements and accommodations in the current extraordinary circumstances, are encouraged to continue doing so in a constructive manner. Complaints in relation to employers attempting to impose more restrictive terms than are provided by statute or in the terms and conditions of the individual employment contract should be made to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
In addition, an all-of-Government approach is being taken to financially support workers and businesses alike. In addition to the existing range of social welfare support schemes, the Government has put in place the ‘National COVID-19 Income Support Scheme’. This includes:
- a wage subsidy scheme to help affected companies keep paying their employees and maintain the employment relationship;
- an emergency Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 per week for both employed and self-employed workers who have suffered a collapse in income;
- an enhanced illness benefit payment of €350 per week;
- enhanced protections for people facing difficulties with their mortgages, rent or utility bills.
Further detailed and regularly updated information on the operation of the various payment schemes is available from www.gov.ie .
Further information on employment rights and obligations as well as information on the mediation and adjudication of disputes is available on the WRC website www.workplacerelations.ie .
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (1155)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1155. 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. [4392/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 11 December 2019. The first payment was made by her chosen payment method on 11 March 2020.
Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments (if applicable).
No request for a review or an appeal was received from the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Widow's Pension Eligibility
Ceisteanna (1156)
Joe Carey
Ceist:1156. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was turned down for a widow's pension in view of the fact the necessary contributions were in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4419/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned claim to a widows pension has again been reviewed by a Deciding Officer, and the original decision remains the same.
A widows, widower's or surviving civil partnership pension can be based on either the social insurance record of either the claimant or the deceased spouse. In order to qualify, if a spouse or civil partner died before 27 December 2013, whichever record is being used, must satisfy a contribution test, have at least 156 paid contributions and a yearly average of at least 24 weeks social insurance paid.
The social insurance records held show that the person concerned had a total of 92 weeks social insurance paid, and thus did not satisfy the test of 156 weeks PRSI paid. While the social insurance record of the late spouse, satisfied the 156 paid contribution test, it did not satisfy the yearly average test of at least 24 weeks PRSI paid, up to the relevant time. The social insurance record show that the deceased spouse of the person concerned had a yearly average of 21 weeks social insurance paid, which is insufficient to qualify for a minimum rate widows, widower's or surviving civil partnership pension.
The Deciding Officer who reviewed the claim for widow's widower's or surviving civil partnerships pension has issued the person concerned a decision letter concerning her entitlement
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals Status
Ceisteanna (1157)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1157. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4421/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for disability allowance (DA) which was received on 4 June 2019 from the person concerned was refused on medical grounds. They appealed the decision on 8 October 2019 and the decision was upheld by the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO).
A further application for DA was submitted by the person concerned on 31 January 2020. The application, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds and he was notified in writing of this decision on 24 February 2020.
The person was also notified of their right to a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. To date no request for an appeal or review has been received.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (1158)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1158. 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. [4450/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Based on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, her application for disability allowance (DA) was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied. The person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 5 February 2020.
They requested a review of the decision by a deciding officer (DO) and submitted additional medical evidence for consideration on 7 February 2020.
Once a decision is made on this additional information the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Domiciliary Care Allowance Appeals
Ceisteanna (1159)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1159. 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. [4497/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned on the 10th July 2019. The application was not allowed as the child was not considered to satisfy the qualifying conditions for the allowance. A letter issued on the 19th September 2019 setting out the decision of the deciding officer to refuse the allowance.
An appeal of the decision was registered by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 9th October 2019. As part of the appeals process, the application was re-examined by a deciding officer and the person concerned was notified on the 31st December 2019 that the review was unsuccessful. An appeal submission was prepared and forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 7th January 2020 for consideration by an Appeals Officer. The Social Welfare Appeals Office will contact the person concerned directly about the outcome of the appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Domiciliary Care Allowance Applications
Ceisteanna (1160)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:1160. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for a domiciliary care allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4498/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) was received from this lady on the 5th February 2020. Applications are processed in date of receipt order, currently applications received in early January 2020 are being finalised. This application will be considered by a deciding officer in due course and the decision notified to her as soon as possible.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Payments
Ceisteanna (1161)
John McGuinness
Ceist:1161. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is on the full rate of invalidity pension; the amount of arrears due to the person; and the way in which the arrears were assessed. [4517/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The gentleman referred to has been awarded invalidity pension at the maximum weekly personal rate with effect from 14 February 2019. He was notified of this decision on 29 January 2020 and first payment issued to his nominated post office on 13 February 2020. Arrears due from 14 February 2019 to 12 February 2020, less overlapping illness benefit payments issued to him on 05 March 2020.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant
Ceisteanna (1162, 1168, 1169)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1162. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the workplace adaption grant to those on community employment schemes will be extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4549/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:1168. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider administering the workplace adaption grant consistently nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4569/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:1169. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a national awareness campaign will be funded in order to proactively promote the employee retention grant scheme and workplace adaption grant to employers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4570/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1162, 1168 and 1169 together.
My Department provides a range of grants and supports to assist both jobseekers with disabilities and employers to take appropriate measures to enable either a potential employee or existing employee with disabilities to obtain or retain employment. These include the Reasonable Accommodation Fund (RAF) which encompasses the following four grants:
1. Employee Retention Grant
2. Workplace Equipment / Adaptation Grant
3. Personal Reader Grant
4. Job Interview Interpreter Grant
The purpose of the Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant (WEAG) is to increase job opportunities for people with a disability by supporting any additional costs, related to the disability, incurred by private sector employers employing or retaining an employee with a disability.
The general principles of the scheme are that it:
- applies only to the additional costs of adapting workplace equipment or of the provision of equipment arising from the individual’s disability. It should not be used to provide support usually provided by employers or supports required under legislation for employees who do not have a disability;
- is a contribution towards the cost of an adaptation or of equipment up to a current limit of €6,350. It can also be used to upgrade adaptive equipment which may have been funded previously. Application in excess of this sum will be considered on an individual basis up to a maximum of €9,523 if specialist training for the assistive technology is required;
- is not intended to meet the usual costs of setting up and running a business either for an employer or a self-employed person;
- will be treated as a grant; and
- may be used in part for training in the use of the grant-aided equipment.
Those eligible for receipt include:
- Any person with a disability who is about to take up employment with a private sector employer, change job as a result of re-deployment or promotion, or become self-employed, and who requires assistive technology or an adaptation to the workplace in order to undertake the duties required;
- Any person employed by a private sector employer who acquires a disability whilst in employment, whose employer is participating in the Employee Retention Grant Scheme (ERGS), and who requires assistive technology or an adaptation to the workplace in order to retain his/her employment;
- Any person with a disability who is employed by a private sector employer, whose condition deteriorates so that he/she requires new assistive technology or a further adaptation to the workplace in order to retain his/her employment.
The Community Employment (CE) scheme provides part-time work experience and training opportunities in local communities for people in receipt of a long term Social Welfare payment as a stepping stone back to employment. It is important to note that community employment, does not, nor is it intended to, provide full-time sustainable employment. As CE projects are funded by the Exchequer, participation on a CE scheme is not considered a private sector employment for the purpose of eligibility for WEAG.
The Department promotes the RAF grants through its general communications activities, employer engagement activity, Intreo service and its contracted employment service providers, such as the companies delivering EmployAbility services. Administration of the application process, for the four RAF grants is through the Department's network of Intreo offices. The Department is continually looking to improve its processes and communications and has committed to examining same relating to the RAF as part of its commitments within the revised Comprehensive Employment Strategy (CES) Action Plan published by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE) in December 2019.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Rates
Ceisteanna (1163, 1170, 1171, 1172)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1163. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the basic social welfare rate will be increased for the blind pension and disability allowance by at least €20 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4563/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:1170. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an organisation (details supplied) will be officially recognised as a complementary service provider to support and strengthen the structures already in place through the Intreo service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4572/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:1171. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department will engage with an organisation (details supplied) in relation to barriers in accessing Intreo services for blind and vision impaired persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4573/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:1172. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the requirement that work is of a rehabilitative nature will be removed from the blind pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4574/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1163 and 1170 to 1172, inclusive, together.
My Department reviews both its schemes and services regularly, and in doing so consults widely with the disability sector.
Consultation is undertaken through the following framework:
1. The Department's Disability Consultative Forum (DCF) which enables a two-way dialogue on the Departments schemes and services, as they relate to customers with disabilities. The forum provides a channel for the views and perspectives of people with disabilities and their representatives to be communicated to the Department, while also providing a mechanism to raise issues of concern and make recommendations which can influence policy formulation, service and scheme delivery.
2. The Pre-Budget Forum, which is held annually and provides an opportunity for organisations in the sector to discuss and debate policy issues and present their thoughts and views on the upcoming Budget to the Minister and senior departmental officials. The forum is used to inform the annual Budget process.
3. Formal meetings with the community and voluntary sector which are convened twice a year.
4. Bi-lateral meetings with representative organisations.
This consultative framework ensures that stakeholders have the opportunity to provide feedback on budgetary, policy and operational matters related to schemes and services for people with disabilities.
The National Council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI) has participated in the above consultation framework and the Department has written recently to the NCBI to seek a new nominee to attend DCF meetings. It should be noted that there is no requirement that work must be of a rehabilitative nature with regards to the blind pension. Any proposed increases to payments, such as to the disability allowance or blind pension, will be considered in the context of the annual budget process. This process includes the pre-budget forum with the opportunity for the submission of proposals by all disability stakeholders.
Disability Support Services
Ceisteanna (1164)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1164. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an organisation (details supplied) and blind and vision impaired persons will be consulted as part of the research process in view of the fact research will provide quantitative estimates of the cost of disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4564/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of Budget measures 2019, it was announced that my Department would commission research into the cost of disability. This is the first step in reaching an in-depth understanding of this complex issue.
Indecon International Consultants have been commissioned to carry out the research and are expected to submit a final report later this year. Their work programme to date has included the following elements:
- An review of existing international research, including approaches to defining ‘cost of disability’ and government responses to costs of disability.
- Examination of submissions from representative organisations. Indecon propose to have follow up discussions with organisations that have made submissions.
I can confirm that the organisation referred to by the Deputy was invited to, and has made, a submission.
As part of the “mixed-method" (top-down and bottom-up) approach to this research, a range of methodologies will be used, for example, the Standard of Living (SOL) approach using econometric analysis of data from household survey data to estimate a model linking living standards to incomes.
In addition, the study will utilize a direct measurement method using survey based data of the experience of people with disabilities. As part of the stakeholder engagement element of the research, a survey will shortly be issued to 33,000 recipients of DEASP disability-related payments, including people who are blind or visually impaired. This will be followed up by structured interviews with a small sample of persons with a disability or with their families. This very large sample is designed to ensure that the different costs incurred by individuals with a disability are taken into account.
It is expected that this research, when complete later this year, will inform policy direction in the future – from a whole-of-Government perspective – in relation to the adequate provision of support to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Free Travel Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (1165)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1165. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider changing the eligibility criteria for access to the free travel scheme to include those with a long-term eye condition which renders their level of vision insufficient to meet criteria for a driver licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4565/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. There are currently approx. 970,000 customers with direct eligibility. In Budget 2019 the funding for the free travel scheme was increased by €5 million to a total of €95 million.
The objective of the free travel scheme is to assist older people and people with disabilities in remaining active within their community. Extending the eligibility of the free travel scheme, to include people who are deemed unsuitable to drive by the national licensing authority due to their level of vision, regardless of whether they receive a payment from my Department, would have to be considered in the overall budgetary context.
If a person is under 66 years of age and permanently living in the State and in receipt of Blind Pension, s/he will automatically qualify for Free Travel. In addition, the person qualifies for a Companion Free Travel Pass.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection may award a travel supplement in any case, where the circumstances of the case so warrant. The supplement is intended to assist with ongoing or recurring travel costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. Every decision is based on consideration of the circumstances of the case, taking account of the nature and extent of the need and of the resources of the person concerned.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Blind Person's Pension Payments
Ceisteanna (1166)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1166. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the income trough caused in cases in which the income of a blind or vision impaired person exceeds eligibility for the minimum blind pension rate due to the loss of their fuel allowance, living alone allowance and household benefits package will be re-examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4566/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The blind pension is a means-tested payment paid to blind and visually impaired people who are habitually resident in Ireland. A person who is in receipt of a blind pension may also qualify for other secondary benefits such as the fuel allowance, living alone increase and the household benefits package (HHB).
Payment of these secondary benefits is directly linked to the payment of the primary payment - the blind pension. There are no circumstances where the payment of these secondary benefits can continue to be paid when the primary payment has ceased for any reason, for example due to the person exceeding the income limit for receipt of the primary payment.
Any decision to allow a person to continue to receive the fuel allowance, living alone increase or HHB after the cessation of a primary payment would have budgetary consequences and would have to be considered in the context of budget negotiations.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Blind Welfare Allowance
Ceisteanna (1167)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1167. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a change will be made to the blind welfare allowance in order that it is not counted when assessing means for disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4568/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In Budget 2020, I introduced a measure to totally disregard all income received by recipients of blind welfare allowance in the assessment of means for social assistance payments.
Blind welfare allowance is a means tested Health Service Executive supplementary payment which is paid to eligible persons who are blind or visually impaired. The maximum rate payable is €60 per week for an adult, with a €4.40 increase for each child dependent.
Since the beginning of January 2020, income received as part of the Blind Welfare Allowance is no longer taken into account in the assessment of means for any social assistance payment, including Disability Allowance.
Questions Nos. 1168 and 1169 answered with Question No. 1162.