Written Answers Nos. 1226-1250
1226. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if changes are envisaged in June 2020 to illness benefit for Covid-19 related absences in terms of rate or eligibility criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5944/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of COVID-19 is to encourage people to not go to work due to financial constraint when they should be in isolation. The rate of payment is higher than the normal maximum personal rate for a limited period. The measures were designed to ensure that where a registered medical practitioner or a HSE medical officer of health diagnoses a person with COVID-19 or identifies him or her as a probable source of infection of COVID-19, that the person can comply with medical advice to isolate.
It is important that employees and the self-employed comply with public health advice to self-isolate where appropriate, while having their income protected to the greatest extent possible. This is essential to limit and slow down the spread of the virus, to keep the number of people affected to a minimum, and to reduce a peak of cases which would cause extreme pressure on the health system.
The rate of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment for Covid-19 is €350 per week, with additional payments possible in respect of a qualified adult and qualified children. The payment is made for a defined maximum period for each of the two situations listed. The current rate and eligibility criteria will continue to be available until at least 19th June.
The Department is engaged in ongoing consideration of specific and appropriate responses to this situation as it evolves. Any future decision will have to be considered in the context of public health and fiscal policy.
1227. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department will implement initiatives to allow employees to carry forward annual leave that they have accrued during the Covid-19 crisis; if she has examined the possibility of such an initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5979/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1233. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration is being given to enable workers who have not taken some or all of their statutory annual leave entitlement due to Covid-19 to be able to carry weeks of accrued but untaken annual leave over into the next two leave years as is allowed for in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6068/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1227 and 1233 together.
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 sets out the key parameters for the taking of annual leave and payment for same. The terms and conditions of individual employment contracts may provide additional specifics within those parameters such as stipulations in relation to the taking of minimum blocks of leave and the timing of leave.
Section 20 of the Act of 1997 in essence provides that the employer determines the timing of an employee’s annual leave, taking into consideration work and personal requirements. It also provides that the employer should consult the employee or the relevant trade union at least one month in advance.
Workers 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.
It is understood that the strong legislative provisions already in place allow sufficient flexibility for employees and employers to navigate current events in the context of annual leave and, therefore, no legislative amendments are proposed at this juncture.
My Department continuously monitors existing employment rights legislation to ensure that it continues to be relevant and fit for purpose and is updated to reflect international developments at European Union, Court of Justice and International Labour Organisation level.
Where any new legislation is proposed, my Department engages in extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders, to ensure that an appropriate balance is struck between the rights of workers and the interests of business.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputies.
1228. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person who has been laid off as a result of the appointment of a liquidator to a business can take up alternative employment with another employer without it impacting on the person's redundancy entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6004/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn situations where an employee has been given notice of redundancy by their employer, an employee may wish to leave their employment earlier than the date of redundancy notified to them, for example to take up alternative employment. In such cases Section 10 of the Redundancy Payments Act 1967, as amended, provides that an employee can request in writing, within the obligatory period of notice, to leave their employment on an earlier date.
An employer has discretion as to whether to grant such a request or not. If the employer agrees, they must consent in writing to the employee's request to leave early and the entitlement to redundancy is unaffected. The redundancy lump sum will be calculated up to the actual employment termination date.
It is important to note that leaving during the notice period without the employer’s written agreement may affect a person’s entitlement to a redundancy payment. Disputes in this regard can be referred to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The WRC is mandated to secure compliance with employment rights legislation. If employees have concerns or complaints regarding their employment rights the Customer Service Section of the WRC provides information in relation to employment, equality and industrial relations rights and obligations, and how to obtain redress where appropriate.
1230. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on a domiciliary care allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6059/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7 October 2019. 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 24 January 2020 and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 25 February 2020. The Appeals Officer had decided to hold an oral hearing in this case on 31 March 2020. However, due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, the oral hearing was cancelled. The appeal is currently being determined on a summary basis. A decision will issue over the coming days.
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.
1231. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration will be given to a position by which claimants in receipt of a primary social welfare benefit and who are also eligible for carer’s allowance can be paid the carer’s allowance at a full rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6060/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the key role carers play in society and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review. Combined spending on all payments to carers in 2020 provided by my Department is expected to exceed €1.3 billion.
The social welfare system generally operates under the principle of a single payment per person, whereby only one weekly social welfare payment is payable to an individual. Persons qualifying for more than one social welfare payment receive the higher payment for which they are eligible.
Notwithstanding that principle, those in receipt of certain social welfare payments (other than Carer’s Allowance or Benefit) who are providing full-time care can retain their main payment and receive another payment, depending on their means, the maximum of which is equivalent to a half-rate Carer’s Allowance. These arrangements apply to almost all weekly social welfare payments and to people in receipt of qualified adult allowances; however, recipients of Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit are not eligible given the job seeking nature of these payments.
Any proposed changes to these supports can only be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available financial resources.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1234. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6070/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18 March 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 7 April 2020. On 22 April 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.
1235. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an invalidity pension appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6072/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 March 2020. 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.
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.
1236. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an invalidity pension appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6073/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 March 2020. 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.
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.
1238. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the reintroduction of the mortgage interest supplement scheme will be considered, particularly in view of the large number of persons who are unemployed and in need of mortgage support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6138/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1240. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider the reintroduction of the mortgage interest supplement scheme, particularly in view of the large number of persons who are unemployed and in need of mortgage support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6140/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1238 and 1240 together.
The original purpose of the mortgage interest supplement scheme (MIS) was to provide short-term support to eligible people who were unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which was their sole place of residence, due to temporary unemployment or loss of earnings.
The mortgage interest supplement scheme was discontinued for new entrants from 1 January 2014, on the basis that:
1. The on-going payment of Mortgage Interest Supplement did not address the long term housing challenges for people in serious mortgage arrears; and,
2. The Central Bank's Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears (CCMA) provides for an appropriate framework for customers, with the responsibility of forbearance for a customer’s Mortgage difficulties resting with the mortgage service provider.
Any change to this decision would need to be considered in the overall budgetary and policy context. The most appropriate way in which customers experiencing mortgage difficulties can be supported remains through on-going engagement with their lender to explore a sustainable and appropriate response from their lending institution.
Under the CCMA (2013), measures and policies are in place to support customers in financial difficulty with their mortgage commitments. The CCMA is issued by the Central Bank under Section 117 of the Central Bank Act 1989 and ensures that the responsibility of forbearance remains with the mortgage service provider.
The CCMA provides support for those that are in arrears, pre-arrears or those who fall under scope of the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP). Under the CCMA, lending institutions are encouraging customers to contact them at the earliest opportunity regarding their concerns and any particular circumstances which may impact on the customer’s financial well-being.
A cross-industry co-ordination Group, chaired by Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), is looking at all coronavirus related issues that may impact customers. This includes both the overall economic impact of the coronavirus situation and its direct effect on customers. A number of emergency measures have also been announced by individual lending bodies including increased overdraft facilities and increased credit card and cash withdrawal limits.
The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, also continues to provide assistance to people, in particular those on low incomes or living on social welfare payments, who are over-indebted and need help and advice with debt problems. As part of its free services, MABS provides help and advice to those in mortgage arrears.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1239. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) in respect of the additional and complex requirements that have been added to the responsibility of carers since the Covid-19 restrictions; the additional resources being put in place for persons in a similar situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6139/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the crucial role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy.
The main income supports to carers provided by my Department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and the Carer’s Support Grant. As of end of March 2020 there were 86,286 recipients of Carer's Allowance. The projected expenditure on Carer’s Allowance in 2020 is approximately €919 million. Combined spending on all DEASP payments to carers in 2020 is expected to exceed €1.3 billion.
The means test for Carer’s Allowance is one of the most generous in the social protection system. Currently €332.50 of gross weekly income is disregarded in the calculation of means for a single person; the equivalent for someone who is married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting is €665 of combined gross weekly income.
The conditions attached to payments of Carer’s Allowance are consistent with the overall conditions that apply to social assistance payments generally. This system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need with the means test playing the critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – be that illness, disability, unemployment or caring.
The continued application of the means test not only ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need but that resources are targeted to those with greatest need. Based on the number of carers identified as part of Census 2016, it is estimated that a universal carer’s payment could cost up to an additional €1.2 billion per annum.
Other available supports to family carers that are not means-tested include:-
- Carer’s Support Grant: The Carer’s Support Grant is paid automatically to people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance. Other people who are not in receipt of a social welfare payment but who are providing full time care and attention are also eligible and can apply for a grant. The Carer’s Support Grant is an annual payment of €1,700 a year for each care recipient paid in a single lump sum with no requirement to satisfy a means test.
- Domiciliary Care Allowance: Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability, who requires ongoing care and attention, substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. It is not means tested. The Domiciliary Care Allowance rate is €309.50 per month. There is no restriction on the number of children for whom a person may claim Domiciliary Care Allowance. (In other words, a person caring for more than one child who qualifies for Domiciliary Care Allowance may claim the monthly allowance for each child.)
My Department also provides the Exceptional Needs Payment which is a single payment to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
I can assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the key role carers play in society and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review. However, any improvements or additions to these supports can only be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available financial resources.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1241. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal was refused the working family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6146/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking Family Payment (WFP) is an income tested, in-work payment which provides additional financial support to employees on low earnings with children. In order to qualify for WFP, an applicant or the applicant and a spouse, partner or cohabitant must be engaged in fulltime remunerative employment as an employee for not less than 38 hours per fortnight. This primary employment condition must be satisfied on an ongoing basis.
I am advised that the person concerned had a WFP claim which was due for reapplication on 15 April 2020. Their re-application was disallowed on 06 April 2020 on the grounds that they did not satisfy the above employment (hours worked) condition. This decision was based on information provided by the persons employer on the reapplication form, pay-slips provided by the person concerned and the Department's real-time (current) employment records.
Following a request from the person concerned, a review of the above decision was completed on 08 May 2020. This review was based on the updated information provided by the person concerned. I am advised that the Department's position did not change and the decision of 06 April 2020 was upheld following this review.
The person concerned was informed on 08 May 2020 of the review outcome and of their right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Officer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1242. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on a project by a person (details supplied) with regard to outcomes in respect of the deaf community and a proposal on the measures to help create a more integrated society. [6151/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have noted the correspondence referred to in the question.
For the Deputy's information, I have set out below the supports available from my Department to support people with disabilities, including deaf people, to achieve their employment goals.
In addition to providing income supports, my department provides a wide range of employment-related supports for both jobseekers with disabilities and employers seeking to employ a jobseeker with a disability (or retain an existing employee who has or acquires a disability). These supports for jobseekers with disabilities have been designed to enable persons with a disability to achieve their employment ambitions by focusing on the individual person’s ability and capacity, rather than on the disability. The pre-employment and in-employment supports available include:
Employment Supports for Jobseekers with a Disability:
DEASP Intreo Service
Jobseekers (including jobseekers with disabilities) who seek support from their local Intreo Centre, will have a meeting arranged with a case officer with a view to agreeing a suitable personal progression plan in order to access the full range of employment supports available with a view to them achieving their employment ambitions.
Local Employment Service
The Department contracts for the provision of the Local Employment Service, which provides a local gateway, or access point, to the full range of services and facilities that are available to help jobseekers, including jobseekers with disabilities, to enter or return to employment.
EmployAbility Service.
The Department has contracts for the provision of the EmployAbility Service with 24 companies. This is a specialist employment service designed to improve employment outcomes for jobseekers with a disability. The service includes the provision of dedicated job coach support as well as both pre-employment and in employment support and assistance.
AHEAD (Support For Graduates With Disabilities)
The Department contracts AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability) to deliver the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) and ‘Get Ahead’ programmes. These programmes provide supports for graduates with disabilities seeking to enter the workforce.
Ability
The ‘Ability’ programme is co-funded by the Irish Exchequer and the EU's ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning Operational Programme (PEIL, 2014 – 20). Under this programme funding has been provided, through Pobal, for 27 organisations to support young people (aged 15-29) with disabilities in their transition into further education or employment.
Employment Supports for Employers:
Wage Subsidy Scheme
The Wage Subsidy Scheme is targeted at private sector employers and is aimed at encouraging the employment of people with disabilities through the provision of financial incentives (a wage subsidy). The subsidy is delivered in three strands:
-Strand I subsidy is a general subsidy for any productivity shortfall in excess of 20% for a person with a disability, in comparison to a colleague without a disability. An employee must work for a minimum of 21 hours per week up to a maximum of 39 subsidised hours per week. The rate of subsidy is €5.30 per hour and the amount of the subsidy is based on the number of hours worked.
- Strand II subsidy is payable when an employer employs three or more people with a disability who are supported by a WSS Strand I payment. Strand II is intended to cover the additional supervisory, management and other work based costs relating to these employees. This top-up payment is a percentage of the Strand I subsidy and is based on the overall number of employees with a disability employed under Strand I. It ranges from an additional 10% of wage subsidy for 3 to 6 employees with a disability to a maximum of 50% of wage subsidy for 23+ employees with a disability.
- Strand III subsidy enables employers who employ 30 or more workers with a disability on the Wage Subsidy Scheme to be eligible for a grant of up to €30,000 per year towards the expense of employing an Employment Assistance Officer to support these employees.
Reasonable Accommodation Fund
The Reasonable Accommodation Fund (RAF) assists both jobseekers with disabilities and employers to enable a persons with disabilities to enter/re-enter or sustain employment by providing a range of grants. In summary, the fund is comprised of the following four grants:
Employee Retention Grant
The purpose of the Employee Retention Grant Scheme is to assist employers to retain employees who acquire a disability by providing funding to:
- Identify accommodation and / or training to enable the employee to remain in his/her current position; or
- Re-train the employee so that s/he can take up another position within the company.
Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant
Where a person with a disability has been offered employment or is in employment, and requires a more accessible workplace or adapted equipment to do the job, s/he or the employer may apply for a grant towards the costs of adapting premises or equipment.
Job Interview Interpreter Grant
A jobseeker who is deaf, hard of hearing or has speech impairment and is attending job interviews, may apply for funding to have a sign language interpreter or other interpreter to attend the interview with him/her. Funding can also be provided to cover the costs of an interpreter during an induction period when starting work.
Personal Reader Grant
If a person is blind or visually impaired and needs assistance with job-related reading, s/he may be entitled to a grant to allow him/her to employ a Personal Reader.
Disability Awareness Training Support Scheme
In addition to the RAF, the Disability Awareness Training Support Scheme (DASS) provides funding (a grant) for the provision of Disability Awareness Training for a company's staff. The purpose of the training is to deliver clear and accurate information about disability and to address questions or concerns that employers and employees may have about working with and supporting a colleague with disabilities.
Finally, it is worth also noting that the Department of Justice & Equality (DJE) is the lead department with regards to Ireland’s Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities. DJE recently published a revised (phase two) action plan (in December 2019) in consultation with government departments/agencies and stakeholders to deliver on the objectives of the CES in the coming years. The revised action plan is available on the DJE website at http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/CES_Action_Plan_2019_to_2021.pdf/Files/CES_Action_Plan_2019_to_2021.pdf
1244. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the State could pay maintenance payments that are not being made on the basis that the State could recoup these costs after the Covid-19 crisis. [6196/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues relating to maintenance are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, who has responsibility for the Family Law Acts, which govern maintenance requirements.
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has no legal basis to pay maintenance in lieu of the other parent's responsibilities.
If a person was in receipt of maintenance that they are entitled to, following a court order, and has stopped receiving it, they should contact the Courts Service. If this person is also in receipt of One-Parent Family Payment, they should also contact my Department to have their One-Parent Family Payment reassessed to reflect the change in circumstances.
Where a One Parent Family recipient contacts the local Intreo Centre to state that they are no longer receiving maintenance due to the Liable Relative losing their job, they will need to provide a declaration to that effect. The result of this declaration is that their means will be reassessed on that basis, and a review marked for 12 weeks later.
The One Parent Family recipient will be contacted after the 12 week period to see if there are any changes in their circumstances, and to establish if there has been any change in the situation. The means will be reassessed if necessary following this review.
Given that the family courts are not hearing maintenance cases during the pandemic, this situation will be carefully monitored on an ongoing basis, to ensure that there are no difficulties or unnecessary hardship experienced by affected parents.
1246. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a widow's pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6265/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned is currently in receipt of state pension contributory at a reduced rate. I am advised that, to date, my Department does not appear to have received an application for widow's/widower's & surviving civil partner's contributory pension from the person concerned. Accordingly we have issued an application form to the person concerned, which should be completed and returned as soon as possible so that their entitlement can be determined. There is a maximum backdating period of six months.
Widow's/widower's & surviving civil partner's contributory pension is based on social insurance contributions. It is not means tested and is therefore not affected by any occupational pension(s) that the person may be in receipt of.
We hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1247. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if seasonal workers will be included in the newly extended pandemic unemployment payment in view of the fact they have been hugely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and disadvantaged by their inability to qualify for the payment. [6270/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1254. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding seasonal workers in the tourism industry who were not in employment in the beginning of March 2020 as the tourism season was just about to commence at that stage and would have been on jobseeker’s allowance; if they are precluded from the pandemic unemployment payment for the entire period in view of the fact they would have been normally due to take up work in March; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6345/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1272. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6621/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1247, 1254 and 1272 together.
The COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced in March 2020 as a time-limited emergency measure to meet the surge in unemployment which resulted from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. The conditions for receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment are that a person must of working age between 18 and up to 66 years old, have lost their employment on or after 6 March and the income associated with that employment due to the impact of the pandemic. If this is not the case the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is not payable.
It would be impossible to construct a scheme based on claims of potential or prospective but unrealised seasonal employment, particularly in an environment where the economy was operating at full-employment with many unfilled vacancies prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. People who are currently receiving a jobseeker’s payment, including seasonal workers, who have been out of work for some time will continue to remain on this payment for the period they are entitled to it.
Where a student engages in seasonal work but was not in employment on 6 March they would not be eligible to receive the COVID-19 pandemic unemployment payment. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Grant, payable by the Department of Education and Skills, represents the primary support for persons pursuing third level education. The matter of supports for students for the forthcoming academic year should be referred to the Minister for Education and Skills.
Where a person is experiencing financial hardship they can apply for financial support under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
1249. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position on the living wage in view of the considerable departure from the previous position in the recent Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil Government negotiation document; the details on this new position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6303/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will understand, I am not in a position to comment on any potential changes to specific policy issues which may be implemented by a new Government, until that Government is formed, and a finalised Programme for Government has been agreed.
1250. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the carer’s support grant; and if the grant will remain place for 2020 and going forward. [6312/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the crucial role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy.
The main income supports to carers provided by my Department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and the Carer’s Support Grant. Combined spending on all DEASP payments to carers in 2020 is expected to exceed €1.3 billion.
The Carer’s Support Grant is a non-means tested annual payment for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention. Carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, Carer's Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance on the 1st Thursday in June are paid the Grant automatically on that date. A carer, not in receipt of one of these payments, may still qualify for the ‘standalone’ Carer’s Support Grant.
It is a primary condition for receipt of the Carer’s Support Grant (as well as for Carer’s Benefit and Carer’s Allowance) that the carer must be providing full-time care and attention to a person who is so incapacitated that they require such full-time care and attention because of a specified illness or disability. The period of full-time care and attention must last for at least six months. This period of care must include the first Thursday in June. The Grant is fully exempt from income tax, PRSI and USC.
The current rate of Carer’s Support Grant is €1,700 and will issue to customers with an entitlement to payment on the first Thursday in June 2020. This payment will automatically issue to people in receipt of the payments outlined above. Officials in my Department have also contacted customers who were awarded the ‘standalone’ Grant in 2019, advising them that the Grant would be paid to them automatically for 2020 and have requested that they contact the Department if they no longer meet the conditions for receipt of payment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
