Written Answers Nos. 1114-1138
1114. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has considered giving further relief to a greater number of women who stayed at home to raise their family at a time in their lives when they could have gone back to work; if the proposal has been examined in terms of the numbers who may qualify; and if so, the estimated cost. [9074/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA person is required to have a minimum of 520 paid reckonable PRSI contributions in order to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory). The actuarial value of the State Pension is estimated at over €300,000 which requires people who claim a contributory pension to have made at least 10 years of paid contributions over 50 years of a working age life.
When I introduced the Interim Total Contributions Approach (TCA) it included provision for the HomeCaring Periods Scheme which fundamentally changed the entitlement of many who spent time out of the workforce caring for others. It, for the first time, acknowledged home caring periods prior to 1994. Interim TCA provides for up to 20 years of home caring periods to be considered. Those who have a 40 year record of paid and credited social insurance contributions, subject to a maximum of 20 years of credits/homecaring periods, qualify for a maximum contributory pension where they satisfy the other qualifying conditions for the scheme.
Work began on the examining the social insurance records of over 90,000 pensioners in September 2018. Where these reviews resulted in an increase in the pensioner’s rate of payment, the increase was backdated to 30 March 2018 or the pensioners 66th birthday, whichever was the later. As at the end of October 2019, with the project completed, 94,258 reviews have been finalised; of these, 53,092 (56%) are women and 41,166 (44%) are men. Of the 53,092 women reviewed 28,528 (54%) received an increase while the rest remain on their existing rate. Of the 41,166 men reviewed, 9,956 (24%) received an increase and the remainder continue to received their same rate of payment. No pensioner had their pension payment reduced as part of this review.
From April 2019, all new State (Contributory) Pension applications are assessed under all possible rate calculation methods, including the Interim TCA, with the most beneficial rate paid to the pensioner.
It should be noted if a person does not satisfy those conditions, they may qualify for the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% that of the maximum rate of the State Pension (Contributory). Alternatively, if their spouse is a State pensioner and they have significant household means, their most beneficial payment may be an Increase for a Qualified Adult, based on their personal means, and amounting up to 90% of a full contributory pension.
The Total Contributions Approach (TCA), when it is introduced, is intended to be a fairer and more transparent system where the person’s lifetime contribution will be more closely reflected in the benefit received. Having carefully examined the outputs of the TCA consultation process, officials in the Department are designing the scheme, with a view to including significant recognition for home caring periods in the new model. The final design for the TCA model will need to be brought to Government for consideration and approval. As eligibility under the scheme and associated costs are dependent on its design and parameters, it is not possible at this stage to estimate the numbers that may qualify and associated costs.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1115. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the details of the review by external consultants of all contracted public employment services; the outcome of this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9097/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1116. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of contracts with local employment services and jobs clubs to provide activation services and public employment services; when a decision will be made to extend these contracts; the criteria on which the decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9098/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1115 and 1116 together.
The Public Employment Service (PES) is delivered through Intreo and is supported through contracted external services delivered under the JobPath, the Local Employment Services, Job Clubs and the Employability services.
In December 2019, after an open and transparent procurement process, my Department engaged external consultants to review all current contracted public employment services (PES), including JobPath, the Local Employment Services, Job Clubs and Employability.
The successful tender, a joint bid by UK-based non-profit bodies, the Institute for Employment Studies and Social Finance, began reviewing the existing contracted PES, engaging with several current contract holders and other stakeholders.
I understand this report is currently being finalised. It will inform the broader process whereby the importance of ensuring our labour market activation services are fit-for-purpose and provide value for money is balanced with the pressing need to ensure services are in situ when needed by those who have lost their jobs as a result of the ongoing public health crisis.
1117. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment will continue after 8 June 2020; if so, the length of time; the rate which will be paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9101/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1124. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the date to which the pandemic unemployment payment will be extended to; and if the current rate of the payment will be maintained throughout the Covid-19 period. [9295/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1117 and 1124 together.
The COVID-19 unemployment payment was introduced as a time limited emergency measure to meet the surge in unemployment which resulted from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic and the final payment is due to be made on 9th June 2020.
As we gradually move through the phases of reopening our society and the economy, we need to assess the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and see how it fits into cross-Government plans to keep Ireland healthy and get the country working again. Any future decisions will be based on our commitment that everyone who needs help will get the most appropriate assistance and also according to the evidence we receive from the reopening of the economy. Arrangements for supports paid after 9th June will be considered by Government as part of its broad based approach to management of the emergency across all sectors of the economy and society.
I trust this clarifies the position at this time.
1118. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment who were part-time workers; her plans to reform the short-term working support scheme to allow former part-time workers to be eligible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9107/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. Payments issued to some 579,400 people this in the previous week. I am advised that the Department does not hold data on the numbers who were working part time or full time.
The short time work support is a social insurance contribution based income support available to full time employees who have had the number of their days of employment reduced on a temporary basis due to a reduction in business, including following the effects of the Pandemic.
Where an employee, including a part time employee, has had their hours of work reduced and is unemployed for 4 days or more in a week they can apply for the social-insurance based jobseekers benefit. If an employee does not qualify for these social insurance supports they may be eligible for the means tested jobseekers allowance scheme.
I trust this clarifies the position at this time.
1119. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the average number of hours worked per week by pandemic unemployment payment recipients by sector; the average net weekly wage of part-time workers by sector in receipt of the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9108/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection does not hold data on hours worked per week customers, including those in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
1120. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of businesses that have notified her Department regarding their intention to consider collective redundancies in January, February, March, April and May 2020; the number of jobs involved by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9135/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 12 of the Protection of Employment Act 1977 provides that employers proposing a collective redundancy notify the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection of the proposed collective redundancy.
The statistics in relation to collective redundancy notifications for the period January to May 2020 are set out in the following tabular statement:
|
Redundancy Notifications |
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
|
Number of Notifications Received |
9 |
10 |
16 |
17 |
28 |
|
Number of Potential Redundancies Advised |
391 |
379 |
875 |
1960 |
2160 |
My Department monitors that the legislative requirements for consultation and notification of potential redundancies to the Minister are complied with.
I am advised that it is not possible to confirm if the actual number of redundancies occurring will correlate to that advised to me as Minister, as a potential redundancy.
I am further advised that statistics are not retained on county by county basis.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1121. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount her Department issued in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020 in statutory redundancy payments to workers whose employers became insolvent and went into liquidation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9136/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEntitlement to a redundancy payment is defined under the Redundancy Payments Act. It is the employer’s responsibility to pay statutory redundancy payments to eligible employees.
In situations where an employer is unable to pay these entitlements due to financial difficulties or insolvency an application for payment under the Redundancy Payments Scheme may be submitted to the Department. The Department will make the statutory redundancy payment to eligible employees on behalf of the employer.
The Redundancy Payments Scheme is funded from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF). When such a redundancy payment is made from the fund, a debt is raised against the employer. The Department will engage with employers to establish their financial situation on a case by case basis and seeks to recover the debt on a mutually agreed basis, including repayments by instalment, where appropriate. This ensures that the scheme takes into account both an employer's ability to pay redundancy payments and that the Social Insurance Fund can be reimbursed in due course. Where redundancy payments have been made following the appointment of a liquidator, the Department is a preferential creditor.
Since 2018, liquidation was given as the reason for the non-payment of redundancy by the employer in just over 50% of redundancy payment scheme applications.
The approximate value of applications received for the redundancy payments scheme as a result of the liquidation of the employer is as follows:
|
2018 |
€11.7m |
|
2019 |
€10.9m |
|
2020 (to April) |
€2m |
1122. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to bring legislation forward to give effect to the recommendations in a report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9137/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that the Duffy Cahill report was sent to the Company Law Review Group (CLRG) in 2016 for its consideration as part of the work of that group in advising the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation of any changes that it considers necessary with respect to the protection of employees and unsecured creditors. (The CLRG is a statutory body comprising members drawn from regulatory, legal, business and employee interests).
The CLRG, as part of its deliberations, also considered related amendments proposed by you (at that time a Senator) to the Companies (Accounting) Bill in April/May 2017.
The CLRG presented its report on the Protection of Employees and Unsecured Creditors to the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation in June 2017 and it was published on the website of the CLRG. It did not include the implementation of the Duffy Cahill report or your proposals in its recommendations.
It is clear that the implementation of the recommendations in the Duffy Cahill report give rise to a host of complex issues and that any proposal to progress them would require further careful consideration involving consultation with many stakeholders.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1123. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of pandemic unemployment payment recipients who were owed arrears; the number who have received arrears payments; when remaining arrears will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9191/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1149. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applicants awaiting arrears of the pandemic unemployment payment; and the value of same in County Longford in tabular form. [9559/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1150. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applicants awaiting arrears of pandemic unemployment payment; and the value of same in County Westmeath in tabular form. [9560/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1151. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when backdated weeks of the pandemic unemployment payment will be paid. [9561/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1123 and 1149 to 1151, inclusive, together.
The emergency Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been introduced as a time-limited emergency measure so that payments can be made as quickly as possible to the large number of people who have become fully unemployed due to the pandemic.
During the month of March, my Department received and processed jobseeker claims equivalent in number to a three year claim-load. These applications were processed as quickly as possible, with almost 59,000 people paid in the first week of the scheme, 283,000 people paid in the following week, and over 507,000 people in the third week of the scheme. To date, over 4.9 million payments have issued to just over 670,000 individuals at a cost of over €1.7 Billion.
Currently, the Department is focused on processing and managing payments to ensure that they continue to be made to all who qualify for them. The work involved in doing this is complex, with people joining and leaving the scheme each week, along with management of overlaps between the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and the Revenue Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme.
The Department is aware that many people are due some arrears and that each person’s case is unique. This means that each person’s application may need to be individually reviewed. This important work can only begin when the Department has time to focus on this considerable task. Accordingly, I am advised that the figures requested by the Deputies are not available at this time.
It will take time to review all of the applications and assess for back payments. The Department is committed to reviewing cases as quickly as possible and work is underway to develop an IT based solution to support this important work.
I can assure the Deputies that all cases will be examined and where arrears arise they will be processed and claimants will be notified.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
1125. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability appeal by a person (details supplied). [9338/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for Disability Allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 19 October 2019. I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that no appeal from the person concerned was received in that office until 27 April 2020.
In the normal course, an appeal against the decision of a Deciding Officer must be made within 21 days of a decision being notified. Appeals received outside of this time limit may be accepted at the discretion of the Chief Appeals Officer. In view of the length of time which has elapsed since the person concerned was notified of the decision and in the absence of any explanation for the failure to submit an appeal within the prescribed timeframe, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal has not been registered in this case. However, the Appeals Office has sought an explanation for the failure to submit an appeal within the prescribed timeframe and, on receipt of the response, will determine whether a late appeal can be accepted and registered.
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.
1126. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied). [9339/20]
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 17 April 2020.
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 5 May 2020 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested a review of this claim on 14 May 2020 but failed to submit further medical evidence in support of his application.
Correspondence requesting further medical evidence issued to the person concerned in support of his application. I am advised that to date no further medical evidence to support this request has been received.
Once the required information has been received and a decision made, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1127. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age on the pandemic unemployment payment by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9342/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is in the table.
I am advised that the Central Statistics Office (CSO) publish breakdowns on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) weekly, at https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/labourmarket/liveregister/detailedcovid-19incomesupportandliveregistertables/
|
County |
PUP recipients under 25 (week 24/05 to 30/05) |
|
Carlow |
1,471 |
|
Cavan |
1,874 |
|
Clare |
3,015 |
|
Cork |
12,843 |
|
Donegal |
4,708 |
|
Dublin |
34,949 |
|
Galway |
6,258 |
|
Kerry |
3,995 |
|
Kildare |
5,552 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,045 |
|
Laois |
1,647 |
|
Leitrim |
791 |
|
Limerick |
4,484 |
|
Longford |
772 |
|
Louth |
3,522 |
|
Mayo |
3,327 |
|
Meath |
4,824 |
|
Monaghan |
1,559 |
|
Offaly |
1,784 |
|
Roscommon |
1,353 |
|
Sligo |
1,648 |
|
Tipperary |
3,712 |
|
Waterford |
2,925 |
|
Westmeath |
2,397 |
|
Wexford |
3,800 |
|
Wicklow |
3,692 |
|
Unknown |
305 |
|
Total |
119,252 |
1128. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of pandemic unemployment payment recipients disaggregated by their previous net weekly pay in intervals of €10 and then €50, using the data that informed page 4 of the report that was published by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Economic Considerations for Reinstating the Economic Activity. [9344/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Covid-19 crisis, the Government introduced a range of income, employment and business support measures including the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS). These have largely cushioned the income shock experienced by workers whose employers had to cease or scale back activities and have, importantly, helped buttress public support for the restrictive public health measures necessary to contain Covid-19.
The PUP payment of €350 was introduced as an exceptional measure on a temporary basis and was set at a flat rate level of €350 per week for a number of reasons:
- Administrative simplicity in order to ensure that the unprecedented number of applicants could be put into payment quickly (with certainty as to their future income stream);
- The provision of a level of income support that would help insulate people against an income shock and, in so doing, to buttress support for the restrictive public health measures.
The rate of €350 is broadly equivalent to the two-person household rate for the main social welfare payments and is also broadly equivalent to average take-home pay levels in the sectors most immediately affected by the restrictions (Hospitality and Retail).
As indicated by research from the ESRI and the CSO, this approach insulated the vast majority of people, and in particular lower paid workers, from a severe income shock. Undoubtedly, this has been a major factor in securing and sustaining public, including business, support for the restrictive public health measures. The payments disbursed will also help consumption expenditure recover as businesses re-open.
The income distribution of PUP recipients sought by the Deputy are provided in the tables. Note that the information provided in these tables is based on PAYE data for early 2020 and excludes self-employed recipients. Due to the low numbers of recipients with a weekly income of less than €50, the €10 intervals are provided from €50 onwards.
Figures are as of May 24th 2020.
Broken down in €10 intervals:
|
Income Range (€) |
Percentage of PUP recipients |
|
0 - 50 |
1.3 |
|
50 - 60 |
0.7 |
|
60 - 70 |
0.8 |
|
70 - 80 |
1.1 |
|
80 - 90 |
1.2 |
|
90 - 100 |
1.5 |
|
100 - 110 |
1.5 |
|
110 - 120 |
1.6 |
|
120 - 130 |
1.6 |
|
130 - 140 |
1.7 |
|
140 - 150 |
1.9 |
|
150 - 160 |
2.0 |
|
160 - 170 |
1.8 |
|
170 - 180 |
1.8 |
|
180 - 190 |
2.0 |
|
190 - 200 |
2.2 |
|
200 - 210 |
2.1 |
|
210 - 220 |
1.8 |
|
220 - 230 |
1.8 |
|
230 - 240 |
1.8 |
|
240 - 250 |
1.9 |
|
250 - 260 |
1.7 |
|
260 - 270 |
1.7 |
|
270 - 280 |
1.7 |
|
280 - 290 |
1.7 |
|
290 - 300 |
1.9 |
|
300 - 310 |
1.9 |
|
310 - 320 |
1.8 |
|
320 - 330 |
1.7 |
|
330 - 340 |
1.7 |
|
340 - 350 |
1.8 |
|
350 - 360 |
1.8 |
|
360 - 370 |
1.7 |
|
370 - 380 |
1.8 |
|
380 - 390 |
1.8 |
|
390 - 400 |
1.8 |
|
400 - 410 |
1.6 |
|
410 - 420 |
1.6 |
|
420 - 430 |
1.5 |
|
430 - 440 |
1.5 |
|
440 - 450 |
1.5 |
|
450 - 460 |
1.5 |
|
460 - 470 |
1.3 |
|
470 - 480 |
1.3 |
|
480 - 490 |
1.2 |
|
490 - 500 |
1.4 |
|
500 - 510 |
1.1 |
|
510 - 520 |
1.0 |
|
520 - 530 |
1.1 |
|
530 - 540 |
1.0 |
|
540 - 550 |
1.0 |
|
550 - 560 |
0.9 |
|
560 - 570 |
0.8 |
|
570 - 580 |
0.9 |
|
580 - 590 |
0.8 |
|
590 - 600 |
1.1 |
|
600+ |
15.7 |
Broken down in €50 intervals:
|
Income Range (€) |
Percentage of PUP recipients |
|
0 - 50 |
1.3 |
|
50 - 100 |
5.2 |
|
100 - 150 |
8.2 |
|
150 - 200 |
9.8 |
|
200 - 250 |
9.3 |
|
250 - 300 |
8.6 |
|
300 - 350 |
9.0 |
|
350 - 400 |
8.9 |
|
400 - 450 |
7.7 |
|
450 - 500 |
6.7 |
|
500 - 550 |
5.1 |
|
550 - 600 |
4.5 |
|
600 + |
15.7 |
1129. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of jobseeker’s benefit, jobseeker’s allowance and signing for credits for 12 months or more in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9345/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table. Figures are as of April 30th 2020.
|
Scheme |
Jobseekers aged under 25 with a duration of 12+ months |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
4,510 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
17 |
|
Credits Only |
8 |
1130. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age who are in receipt of the €112.70, €203 and other varying rates, respectively, of jobseeker’s allowance per week in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9348/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of the number of young persons under 25 years of age that are in receipt of the €112.70, €203 and other varying rates respectively of jobseeker’s allowance per week is detailed in the tabular statement.
Recipients of Jobseeker's Allowance by age and broad payment rates at the end of April 2020.
|
Age |
€0 to €112.70 |
€112.71 to €203.00 |
Totals |
|
18 |
1,437 |
83 |
1,520 |
|
19 |
2,251 |
148 |
2,399 |
|
20 |
2,184 |
208 |
2,392 |
|
21 |
1,937 |
306 |
2,243 |
|
22 |
1,858 |
358 |
2,216 |
|
23 |
1,782 |
467 |
2,249 |
|
24 |
1,548 |
596 |
2,144 |
|
25 |
3 |
2,639 |
2,642 |
|
Grand Totals |
13,000 |
4,805 |
17,805 |
1131. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age in receipt of the disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9349/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance for people aged between 16 and 66 with a disability which is expected to last for at least one year, and who satisfy the medical condition, means test and are habitually resident in Ireland.
At the end of April 2020 the number of persons in receipt of DA who are under 25 years of age and who are in receipt of the payment was 20,413.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1132. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of young persons under 25 years of age in receipt of the one parent family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9351/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that as of the end of April 2020, there were 39,478 claimants in receipt of One-Parent Family Payment, of whom 6,096 were aged under 25.
1133. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of disability allowance who have lost employment due to Covid-19. [9361/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability allowance (DA) is a payment for persons between the ages of 16 and 66 with a specified disability which is expected to last at least 1 year, and who by reason of that disability, are substantially restricted in undertaking work suitable to their age, qualifications and experience. Applicants must also satisfy a means test and be habitually resident in the State.
The DA scheme is structured to encourage recipients to avail of opportunities to engage in work where this is appropriate, either in self-employment or in insurable employment.
The number of persons in receipt of DA at the end of April was 149,395. Of DA recipients, 4,442 have received at lease one Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
Statistics relating to the number of DA recipients who have lost employment are not held.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1134. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there will be a supplementary payment to support persons on disability allowance to supplement their income if they are unable to return to work (details supplied). [9362/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a means-tested payment for people with a specified disability who are aged between 16 and 66. In order to be eligible, the disability must be expected to last for at least one year; the allowance is also subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency requirement.
DA is structured to support recipients to avail of opportunities to pursue their own employment ambitions, be that self-employment or in insurable employment. When an individual commences employment, they can avail of an income disregard of €120 per week. In addition, a 50% taper on earnings between €120 and €350 is also applied (disregarded), for the purpose of the means test.
Following recommendations in the Make Work Pay (MWP) report, published in April 2017, my department has put in place a fast-track return to Disability Allowance in situations where employment ceases or does not work out.
The above approach to the means assessment combined with the provision of a fast-track return to DA mechanism means that people can be assured of receiving their full entitlement to DA while also being able to avail of any employment opportunity that they may wish to pursue.
My department regularly reviews its supports and payment schemes to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives. Any change to payment rates or supplementary payments would have to be considered in the overall annual budgetary context.
1135. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the firewall will continue with regard to information sharing with the Department of Justice and Equality on social welfare payments for migrant workers (details supplied). [9363/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have a data sharing arrangement with the Department of Justice and Equality for migrant workers accessing supplementary welfare payments including rent supplement or the pandemic unemployment payment.
The Department’s data sharing arrangements comply with both National and EU Data Protection law to ensure that safeguards are in place to protect data subjects’ rights. The Department’s Privacy Policy is available on our website at https://www.gov.ie/en/help/privacy-policy/
As stated on my department's website, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has no plans to share any data received as part of an immigrant’s application for a COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment with the Garda National Immigration Bureau or the Department of Justice and Equality.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
1136. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on extending payment eligibility to those who have lost employment due to Covid-19 but reside in direct provision. [9364/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced as a time-limited, emergency income support measure to meet the dramatic surge in unemployment as a consequence of the pandemic.
Applicants for International Protection accommodated under the system of Direct Provision operated by the International Protection Accommodation Services of the Department of Justice and Equality are provided with full board accommodation and other facilities and services. People in direct provision receive a daily expenses allowance payment from my Department payable at the weekly rate of €38.80 for adults and €29.80 for children. In this situation, the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is not payable where the person’s needs are being met through the services provided by the accommodation centre and the daily expenses allowance payment.
Where applicants for International Protection live in the community outside the direct provision system, they are eligible for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment if they meet the conditions for the payment.
Applicants for international protection receive can continue to receive assistance under the Exceptional Needs Payment scheme to meet with any costs that cannot be met from their weekly payment.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
1137. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she is taking to review the anomalies in operational guidelines on disability allowance (details supplied). [9365/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe system of social assistance supports, and the means tests associated with these schemes, are used to determine a verifiable income need and ensure that resources are targeted to those who need them most.
By its nature, the means test takes account of the income a person or couple has in terms of cash, property - other than the family home - and capital. It does not take account of a person’s expenditure. In line with most social assistance payments, deductions permitted for disability allowance include PRSI, union dues and superannuation (pension contributions).
The means-tested social assistance payments for which maintenance payments are assessed as means are jobseeker’s allowance; disability allowance; farm assist; state pension non-contributory; supplementary welfare allowance; blind pension; one-parent family payment; pre-retirement allowance; and widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s non-contributory pension.
For these schemes, maintenance payments (including maintenance payments from a former spouse/partner or cohabitant) are assessed by first disregarding any housing costs incurred up to €4,952 per annum (or €95.23 per week), and then assessing the remainder at 50%.
Accordingly, the total value of any maintenance payments is never assessed as means for these weekly income support payments and the total income received by the family (social welfare payment and maintenance payment combined) will be higher than someone not receiving maintenance payments.
It should be noted that people receiving disability allowance may also be eligible for secondary benefits such as free travel, fuel allowance, the household benefits package, living alone allowance and the telephone support allowance. Depending on their circumstance, recipients may also be entitled to rent supplement or housing assistance payment, to help meet housing expenses.
The Department also continues to implement a targeted case-by-case flexible payment policy approach – the National Tenancy Sustainment Framework - which allows for flexibility where landlords seek rents in excess of the rent limits. Included within this Framework is the additional assistance required by persons with disabilities who require specially modified accommodation.
Any changes to the means assessment for disability allowance would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.
1138. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost of restoring young persons under 25 years of age on the reduced rates of jobseeker’s allowance to the full rate of €203 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9395/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn age related jobseeker’s allowance rate of €112.70 generally applies to young jobseekers aged 18-24 to incentivise them to engage in education or training to improve their chances of obtaining full time sustainable employment. If a young jobseeker participates in education or training they can receive the maximum weekly personal rate of up to €203. The Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) is a work experience placement programme which is specifically targeted at young jobseekers aged 18-24 years of age who are long-term unemployed or who face barriers to employment. This scheme continues to be available despite the current restrictions of movement and arrangements for social distancing. Young jobseekers who participate in this scheme receive a maximum weekly payment of €229.20.
Reduced rates do not apply to all young people under 25 including those with a qualified child and those who were in the care of the Child and Family Agency, or TUSLA, during the 12 months before they reached 18. In Budget 2020 I increased the rate of jobseekers allowance for 18-24 year olds who are living independently and in receipt of State housing supports including rent supplement and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
The full year cost of restoring young persons under 25 years of age on the reduced rates of jobseeker’s allowance, based on existing recipients, to the rate of €203 per week would be approximately €66 million.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
