Written Answers Nos. 633-652
633. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education if teacher placement as part of teacher training courses will proceed in 2020 in primary and post-primary schools; if health and safety plans are in place for same; if her Department is working with the teacher training colleges on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22677/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that school placements will proceed in primary and post-primary schools in this school year. School Placement is a critical part of initial teacher education (ITE). It is first and foremost a space and time where student teachers learn to become teachers. It enables the student teacher to experience teaching and learning in a variety of contexts, and to participate in school life in a way that is structured and supported.
I acknowledge that adaptability and flexibility will be essential to ensure the continuity and implementation of school placement in a Covid-19 context. However, professional accreditation works on the principle that ITE programmes prepares qualifying teachers for the professional requirements and expectations of the classroom environment as it is.
Given the exceptional circumstances that are faced by the education system, officials from my Department and the Teaching Council engaged with the HEIs and relevant stakeholders in relation to how school placement could be implemented for the 2020/21 academic year in the context of Covid-19.
The Teaching Council has published a Guidance Note for School Placement which sets out a clear and flexible framework which is consistent with Council policy on school placement and ITE, for both HEIs and schools in relation to the planning and facilitation of school placement for the academic year 2020-2021. It will also serve as a guide if Covid-19 impacts on school placements in the coming year.
I acknowledge that ongoing engagement with, and between HEIs and schools is vital in light of the evolving context we find ourselves in. In this regard, the Teaching Council will convene stakeholders to the process from time to time to facilitate the sharing of best practices in the practical implementation of this guidance.
634. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to instances in which children with ASD are unable to be excused from doing core subjects in primary schools in which they find insurmountable difficulties with subjects such as the Irish language; if her attention has been further drawn to difficulties of parents getting her Department to address the matter in a satisfactory way; the way in which she plans to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22691/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraLiteracy and numeracy are among the most important life skills that our schools teach. Literacy and numeracy skills are crucial to a person’s ability to access the rest of the curriculum and to develop fully as an individual, to live a satisfying and rewarding life and to participate fully in our society. It is important therefore that children master these skills to the best of their abilities.
In view of this and in recognising the linguistic, social and cultural importance of Irish and English in Ireland, both languages and maths are included as core subjects in the national curricula for recognised primary and post-primary schools and centres for education in Ireland. This has been the case since the foundation of the State and there is no exemption from the study of English or Maths.
The Irish language is accorded special status in Ireland and is protected by various pieces of legislation and in particular Article 8 of our Constitution which states that “The Irish Language as the national language is the first official language”. The Education Act 1998 recognises the particular responsibility of the education system with regard to supporting the Irish language. The language has particular social, historical and educational importance and is part of the unique cultural heritage of the Irish people. It is an aim of Government to increase on an incremental basis the use and knowledge of Irish as a community language.
In that context, while exemptions from the study of Irish may be considered for pupils/students enrolled in recognised English-medium schools, such exemptions can only be considered in the exceptional circumstances set out in Section 2.2 of Circulars 0052/2019 – Primary and 0053/2019 – Post-primary. Decisions on the granting of exemptions from the study of Irish were devolved to school management in previous circulars 12/96 and M10/94 and this remains the case in the current circulars.
The current Circulars which were informed by an extensive public consultation process, move away from a categorical diagnostic model to a needs based model. The Circulars are set in the context of the Special Education Teaching Allocation model that allows mainstream schools to provide additional teaching support for all pupils who require such support in their schools based on their identified learning needs in school, as opposed to being based primarily upon a diagnosis of a particular disability. The granting of an exemption from the study of Irish should not be a key factor in planning for the provision of learning support for a student. Those students with ASD who are enrolled in a special class or special school will automatically qualify for an exemption by nature of their placement. Any student who does not meet the criteria for an exemption from the study of Irish should be supported in accessing the Irish language through a differentiated approach to teaching and learning in line with their identified needs and any other supports in accordance with Guidelines for supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools and with Special Educational Needs: A continuum of Support.
Detailed guidelines and FAQs are available on the Department’s website together with contact details for the office dealing with queries in relation to policy and appeal issues related to exemptions from the study of Irish. The Department strives to respond to all queries in accordance with the Department’s Customer Charter. The circulars include a provision for a review of their operation after the first two years of implementation.
635. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education if the poor supports available to children with autism will be addressed which is resulting in these children having to travel long distances from their locality to schools that suit their needs; if her attention has been drawn to the stress long journeys can cause to the children; the steps being taken to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22692/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that every child has a suitable school placement is a key objective of my Department. Significant resources are allocated each year to ensure that appropriate supports are available for children with special educational needs.
Children with special educational needs are supported through placement in mainstream classes, special classes and special schools. At school, they receive a range of supports provided by teachers and SNAs. Other professional supports including training for teachers are provided by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and the National Council for Special Education to enable each school provide an holistic educational experience for each child. The HSE is responsible for the delivery of therapeutic supports.
Since 2011, the number of special classes in mainstream schools has increased almost threefold, from 548 to 1,618 for the 2019/2020 school year; with 1,353 of these catering for children with autism. Budget 2020 provided for an additional 265 special class teachers in 2020, which will allow for the opening of additional classes where required.
The National Council for Special Education has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide; has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents; and seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
Care is taken to minimise the amount of travel for students but I am aware that it is not always possible to secure a suitable placement in a local school and this is an issue of concern. Occasionally, the specialist nature of the placement involved requires the child to travel some distance. It is now standard practice for provision to be made for special needs in new school projects.
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school. School transport is also available. My Department works closely with the NCSE in this regard.
Normally, special class and school places are established with the full cooperation of the schools in areas where they are required. However there are some parts of the country where the NCSE has faced challenges in getting schools and their patrons to voluntarily agree to provide special class or school places. I have powers under the Education Act 1998 to require schools to provide specialist school placements where this is required and where the schools concerned have capacity in this regard. These powers will be used where necessary to ensure that every child secures a suitable school place.
As the availability of specialist places continue to increase throughout the country, it would be expected that this would reduce the travelling distances required of students and the resulting stress caused.
636. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education her views on children with ASD being sent to mainstream schools that are not suited for their needs and demands; the process that parents must engage in to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22702/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that every child has a suitable school placement is a key objective of my Department. Significant resources are allocated each year to ensure that appropriate supports are available for children with special educational needs.
Since 2011, the number of special classes in mainstream schools has increased almost threefold, from 548 to 1,618 for the 2019/2020 school year; with 1,353 of these catering for children with autism.
Budget 2020 provided for an additional 265 special class teachers in 2020, which will allow for the opening of additional classes where required.
The majority of children with special educational needs attend mainstream class, where they may access additional educational supports if required.
But some students may find it difficult to manage full-time placement in mainstream and so placement in a Special Class or Special School setting may be deemed appropriate where placement in mainstream class is not in the best interests of the child.
Special Schools funded by my Department are established as special primary schools and cater for children and young persons with complex special educational needs from the age of 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.
Nationally, 167 new special classes opened in 2019/2020, which means there are 1,618 special classes in place, compared to 548 in 2011.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) which advises my Department on policy matters is currently preparing advice on the educational provision that should be in place for students educated in special schools and special classes. This policy advice will make recommendations on the provision required to enable students in special schools and classes achieve better outcomes. The NCSE have been asked to complete and submit its report to the Minister before the end of the year.
637. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the number of special advisers that will be hired by her Department. [22772/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the terms of the Public Service Management Act 1997 I will be appointing two Special Advisers at my Department to assist me in carrying out my ministerial functions.
638. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress made on plans to bring forward legislative proposals on the right to disconnect; the engagements undertaken on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21100/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe importance of electronic communications to the success of many businesses and organisations has been highlighted by the Covid-19 crisis. The increased use of mobile technology, which is already a well-established aspect of the modern workforce, has enabled many workers to remain connected and in employment, despite the closure or reduction of workspaces.
However, a long-acknowledged, potential downside to the use of mobile and other electronic communication devices is the expectation that workers are always ‘switched on’.
First and foremost, Ireland already has a comprehensive body of employment legislation, including the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, which sets out maximum working time and minimum rest periods for employees. It is understood that proper compliance with that Act should in fact be sufficient to ensure an appropriate work-life balance.
Where an individual believes they are being deprived of their employment rights, they may refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), where the matter can be dealt with by way of mediation or adjudication, leading to a decision that is enforceable through the District Court.
That said, there has been significant debate across Europe in recent years regarding the ‘right to disconnect’ and Government officials have been monitoring the matter closely.
Officials from my Department met with Eurofound earlier this year to discuss its report “Telework and ICT-based mobile work; flexible working in the digital age”, which examines, inter alia , the right to disconnect throughout the EU. The report found that only a few Member States have adopted legislation related to the ‘right to disconnect’ and that there is a lack of consensus about the need for legislation in the area and how it should be regulated.
In response to the increasing prevalence of remote work in Ireland, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation recently formed an Interdepartmental Group comprising both Departments and State Agencies to develop clear guidance relating to all aspects of remote work, including the right to disconnect, for both employees and employers. My Department is represented on this group and I look forward to reviewing its guidance.
My Department continuously monitors existing employment rights legislation to ensure that it continues to be relevant and fit for purpose. My officials will continue to do so in relation to the right to disconnect and will strive to ensure that an appropriate balance is struck between the exigencies of businesses, organisations and workers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
639. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection if the pandemic unemployment payment of €350 per week will be reinstated for all members of an association (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21117/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra645. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures being taken to assist the taxi industry during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21776/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra648. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department and the Department of Social Protection have estimated the cost of maintaining the pandemic unemployment payment at the previous €350 a week for workers in the entertainment and arts sectors shut down and restricted by Covid-19 health measures by each month that will be required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22279/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra652. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection if the Covid-19 unemployment benefit for the self-employed will be requalified as a subsidy for the self-employed; and if it will be adjusted to the employee subsidy rate with retroactive effect since the beginning of the pandemic in order to comply with Article 40.1 of the Constitution which upheld that all citizens shall, as human persons, be held equal before the law. [21145/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra653. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if the Covid-19 support payment will be reinstated for self-employed persons in the music and entertainment industry here (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21154/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra656. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rules regarding the pandemic unemployment payment were changed on the website of her Department; the date the rules were changed; the reason genuinely seeking work was added; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21157/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra657. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection the legal remit for changing how to qualify section of pandemic unemployment payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21158/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra666. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection if her announcement with regard to the pandemic unemployment payment in terms of those in receipt of it being active jobseekers will extend to those self-employed persons who through no fault of their own cannot work at their chosen employment for now; if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21243/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra667. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which persons on payments and who must show that they are genuinely seeking work can do so in an industry that remains shut down; her plans in this regard in view of the fact that they are being threatened with payment cancellations despite late venues and so on remaining closed; the way in which persons in the arts, music and entertainment industry can be assisted by her Department to find work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21245/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra747. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if specific Covid-19 payments will be introduced for publicans in view of the ongoing embargo preventing them from trading; the supports that will be put in place to protect the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22298/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra764. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will continue to pay the pandemic unemployment payment at the full rate of €350 for claimants that were working in public houses and bars in view of the fact that these businesses still remain closed and the likelihood that they will remain closed for many more weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22539/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 639, 645, 648, 652, 653, 656, 657, 666, 667, 747 and 764 together.
The Department is aware that there are some sectors of the economy that will not reopen for some time and it will take a common-sense approach where people who are in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment expect to return to their previous employment or reopen their business as soon as they are able to do so. They may continue to receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment which has been extended to 1 April 2021 as part of the July Stimulus Package.
From 17 September 2020 until 31 January 2021 the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be paid at 3 rates depending on prior earnings. People who previously earned over €300 per week will receive €300 per week, people who earned €200 to €300 will receive €250 and people who earned less than €200 will receive €203. The payment rates will be further calibrated in February and April next year. The changes to the rate are necessary to ensure that it is targeted and sustainable.
In determining the appropriate rate of Pandemic Unemployment Payment in the case of self-employed individuals, my Department recently announced that it will take 2019 earnings into consideration where a person files their returns to Revenue. Prior to this, the information used for the self-employed referred to that of 2018, which is the last tax year for which complete verifiable data on self-employed income is available. This change may provide for an increased rate of payment depending on an individual’s particular circumstances. Reviews can be submitted to PUPRerate@welfare.ie and should be accompanied by supporting documentation.
In order to give every opportunity to employed and self-employed workers to receive the highest possible rate of Pandemic Unemployment Payment, my Department will undertake five distinct calculations and base the individual’s Pandemic Unemployment rate on the one that is most financially advantageous to each customer. This will be achieved by undertaking an individual calculation of each customer’s rate based on their earnings from employment, self-employment and from a combination of both.
The functionality to facilitate this calculation is currently being developed and will be in place for the re-rating of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment on the 17th of September. At that point anyone who is on the reduced rate of Pandemic Unemployment Payment since June and would be better off under this calculation will receive the benefit of the new calculation backdated to the rate change introduced in June.
In order to be eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment an individual must have lost their employment due to the pandemic. A self-employed person must have suffered a reduction in their trading income to the extent that they are available to take up other full-time work. This allows some limited scope for a self-employed person to engage in once-off or emergency work and still retain eligibility for this payment. In this instance once-off or emergency work would mean occasional,irregular, infrequent, or isolated events, where there is a clear divergence from previous employment patterns.
If a person is ineligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment as they are engaged in regular employment, they may be entitled to income support under the jobseekers schemes depending on their circumstances. The maximum weekly rate for the jobseekers schemes is €203 and increases may also be paid for any qualifying adults and children.
The information published online regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment has changed over the last number of months to reflect the evolution of the payment from an initial 6 week emergency income support, to that of an ongoing support now available until April 2021, for those who may need it.
Key changes to the payment “rules” include the following, all of which were published on the Pandemic Unemployment Page or related pages, on the Gov.ie website;
- The increase in the value of the payment to €350 from an initial rate of €203 on 24 March 2020
- The initial extension of the payment until August 10, as announced on 5 June 2020
- The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment Rate Changes announced on 3 July 2020
- The need to confirm eligibility to continue to receive the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in July 2020
- The extension of the payment to April 2021, and associated new payment rates, announced as part of the July Stimulus package on 23 July 2020
- The ability of self-employed people to access a re-rate service for their COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment should they be dissatisfied with the payment rate allocated to them
- Access to COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for people living in Direct Provision on 7 August 2020.
The requirement to be genuinely seeking work is a long standing statutory requirement for anyone in receipt of a jobseekers payment and also applies to the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. To continue to maintain entitlement to this payment a person must satisfy the “genuinely seeking work” condition. The Department has been clear that it will take a reasonable and flexible approach by not enforcing this condition in respect of workers who remain temporarily laid off in sectors that have not re-opened (e.g. bars, arts and entertainment) due to Covid-19 restrictions, and who are expected to return to their employment when their sector of occupation re-opens. This update was made to the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment page on the Department website on 27 July 2020.
My Department cannot estimate the cost of maintaining the Pandemic Unemployment Rate at the €350 rate for people who work in the arts and entertainment industry as they may be categorised as working in other technical sectors/industries.
On 14 August I announced that applications have opened for the Enterprise Support Grant. The Enterprise Support Grant previously supported entrepreneurs who were setting up new enterprises but has now been revamped to specifically provide once-off supports for self-employed people who have been severely impacted and have had to cease operations as a result of the Pandemic. The grant of up to €1000 is designed to help the self- employed small business owners who transition from the Pandemic Unemployment Payment to re-open their business. It will be payable to self-employed micro enterprises that are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants. A person must apply for the Enterprise Support Grant within 4 weeks of closing their Pandemic Unemployment Payment claim. Details on the application process to access this grant is available on www.gov.ie.
In recognition of the severe impact of COVID-19 on the Pubs Industry the Government has announced a further €16 million support package for pubs, bars and niteclubs. Details of the package are available on the Department of Trade Enterprise and Employment website at www.dbei.ie
Where a person is experiencing financial hardship they can apply for assistance through the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments. Queries in relation to eligibility should be made by phone to the local Intreo Centre.
I hope that this clarifies the position at this time.
640. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the pandemic unemployment payment for a person (details supplied) was cut despite earnings in excess of €200 per week in 2018 and 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21187/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a review, the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) for the person concerned has been rerated back to €350 with effect from 26/06/2020 and all arrears due will be paid in the coming week.
The person concerned closed his PUP claim on 02/09/2020 on the basis that he was returning to work.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
641. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce the supports for employment initiatives for persons with hearing loss or visual impairment as announced in January 2020 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21218/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has an approved €5 million allocation under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2020 which will provide Measures to Support and Improve Employment Opportunities for Carers and Persons with a Disability.
The funding will support three measures as follows:
- Measure 1 - Access to Employment and Training/Education Supports for Family Carers: this funding will be targeted at promoting social inclusion and assisting family carers to build and retain contact with the labour market and training/educational opportunities. Up to €2m of the funding available will be allocated to projects which support this measure.
- Measure 2 - Initiatives to Support and Develop Young Carers: this measure will seek to reduce the impact of caring on the young carer in terms of their education, socialising and future education or employment opportunities. This funding will also seek to raise awareness and provide acknowledgement of the role of young carers in schools and their local communities. Up to €1m of the funding available will be allocated to projects which support this measure.
- Measure 3 - Access to Employment and Self Employment for People with a Disability: this measure will seek to promote social inclusion and assist people with disabilities in engaging with the labour market and training/educational opportunities. Up to €2m of the funding available will be allocated to projects which support this measure. The priority target group for this measure is people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafened or who are Blind, or have Visual Impairment, or who have Multiple Disabilities with a Visual Impairment. This measure will offer them practical support to start working and stay supported in work. Applications will also be considered for people with other disabilities who may benefit from this support to improve their employment opportunities or outcomes.
The scheme is being administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department and my officials have worked with them to finalise the programme specifications. Full information including application forms and guidelines will be available shortly on the Pobal website at: www.Pobal.ie
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
642. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of rolling out the WALK PEER employment support service model nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21393/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ability Programme is a pre-activation programme for young people with disabilities. The funding for this programme will amount to around €16 million over a three year period and is being provided jointly under the EU's ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) Operational Programme 2014-2020 and the Irish Exchequer. The programme will support over 2,600 young people with disabilities between 15 and 29 years of age. Pobal has been contracted by the Department to manage the programme.
The aim of the Ability Programme is to help bring young people with disabilities who are not work-ready closer to the labour market through engagement in training and personal development activities, which would be followed by an incremental exposure to work. The programme is being delivered by 27 community and voluntary groups from around the country, selected on foot of a competitive process. The projects being funded have been designed to assist young people in their transition from school to further education and employment. This will be undertaken using person-centred, case management approaches that support participants to achieve their desired employment goals.
The WALK PEER organisation is funded as a stand-alone project under the Ability Programme and not as a programme in its own right. The project aims to support 200 young people with special educational needs aged 15-24 years within 3 special schools settings to develop their employment aspirations, identify their career goals and to experience work in the open labour market. Total Ability funding of €640,848 has been awarded to WALK PEER over the course of the 3 year programme.
If the WALK PEER project was to be replicated on the same scale to an additional 25 counties, based on a simplistic scale up calculation, this would require additional funding in excess of €5m per year.
Finally, it should be noted that Walkinstown Green Social Enterprises Limited, which is wholly owned by WALK Ltd, was also awarded €430,175 under the Ability Programme to fund the WALK REAL Project, bringing the total combined amount of funding to WALK Ltd to €1,071,023 over the course of the Ability Programme.
I hope this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
643. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given among other possible memorial and commemorative to ideas that might emerge to naming the August Bank Holiday Monday John Hume day to mark his contribution to peace in Ireland (details supplied). [21427/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Social Protection I have no statutory remit to name or rename a public holiday in order to memorialise or commemorate a well-respected person such as John Hume.
I currently hold responsibility for the Organisation of Working Time Act, which provides, amongst other matters, for the prescribing of certain days as public holidays. At present, there are nine public holidays listed under the Act. These are Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday, the first Monday in May, the first Monday in June, the first Monday in August, the last Monday in October, and the first day of January. There is, however, no specific provision in the Act in relation to the naming or renaming of public holidays.
It seems to me that it would be more appropriate for such a decision to be made as a whole of Government initiative following, perhaps, a communications campaign to raise awareness among the general public. The Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, as well as An Taoiseach, would be likely to have a greater role in such an initiative, if one were to be pursued. I will bring the Deputy’s suggestion to their attention.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
644. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available to sole traders under the summer stimulus package and other measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21715/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs announced in the July Stimulus package, the enterprise support grant was extended to assist eligible self-employed, including sole traders, who exit the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment or jobseekers schemes after 18th May 2020 to re-start their business which was closed due to the impact of the pandemic.
The grant, of up to €1,000, is payable to sole traders which employ fewer than 10 people, have an annual turnover of less than €1 million and are not eligible for support from the COVID 19 Business Restart Grant or other similar business reopening grants. Funding of €12 million has been provided for this grant.
A sole trader who closes their Pandemic Unemployment Payment should be encouraged to send their grant application to their local Intreo Centre to be processed. The COVID- 19 ESG 1 application form is available on Gov.ie
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
646. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has met with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on the role that Department will have in back to education allowance criteria. [22052/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra684. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to make the back to education allowance available to persons on the pandemic unemployment payment to assist them in reskilling and seeking new employment. [21523/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra720. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the pandemic unemployment payment and the eligibility criteria for third-level students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21952/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 646, 684 and 720 together.
The back to education allowance (BTEA) provides income support for jobseekers and certain others in receipt of social welfare payments who pursue courses of education at second or third level. The main focus of the BTEA is to assist qualifying applicants to improve their educational qualifications and improve their prospects of gaining employment.
Ordinarily a person must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for at least nine months before being eligible to apply for the BTEA when pursuing a 3rd level qualification. This nine month condition is being waived for recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment wishing to return to education. Someone in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment is required to transfer their claim to a jobseekers payment to access the BTEA.
The conditions under which the BTEA operate are the responsibility of my Department and are designed to ensure that they address the objective of supporting longer term social welfare customers into employment. The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant payable by the Department of Further and Higher Education represents the primary support for persons pursuing education.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
647. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in payments for school crossing wardens for school holidays; if the summer payments will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22211/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe processing times for jobseeker claims, including those from school crossing wardens, is currently in line with the Department’s target for timely decision making on these claims. If the Deputy is aware of any case where a customer is experiencing delays and details can be provided, I will be happy to make further enquiries.
649. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection when the 2008 Labour Court recommendations regarding community employment supervisors will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22394/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Community Employment (CE) supervisors and assistant supervisors have been seeking for several years, through their union representatives, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme.
CE sponsoring authorities are the legal employers of their CE supervisors, CE assistant supervisors and CE participants; the Department’s role continues to be that of CE funder.
The issue was examined by a Community Sector High Level Forum, chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. A number of Departments including my own Department were represented on this group, as were the unions and Pobal.
A detailed scoping exercise was carried out with input from the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) on the potential costs of providing Exchequer support for the establishment of such a pension scheme for employees across the Community and Voluntary sector in Ireland. This exercise estimated a potential cost to the State of between €188 million and €347 million per annum depending on the numbers involved. This excluded any provision for an immediate ex-gratia lump sum payment of pension as sought, which could entail a further Exchequer cost of up to €318 million.
Officials from my Department held a series of meetings with CE supervisor representatives to consider related proposals, mindful of the operating environment in which any potential solution will need to exist. Related discussions were also undertaken between Department officials and their counterparts in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER).
My Department officials are continuing to work with all parties at present to try to establish a viable solution to this issue.
650. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to extend the provisions in section 29 of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22685/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra789. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to reinstate the right of employees to invoke redundancy after a protracted period of lay-off as was the case prior to the Covid-19 emergency legislation with regard to section 29 of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020, in view of the fact failure to do so leaves many workers in temporary lay-off trapped and unable to move to other employment for fear of losing their redundancy entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22686/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 650 and 789 together.
Firstly, I would like to say that my thoughts are with all workers who have been temporarily laid off or who are faced with job losses at this difficult time. I want to assure the Deputy that the purpose of the emergency measure, which relates to redundancy entitlements following temporary periods of lay-off and short-time work due to Covid-19, is to ensure that employees have a continued link to their job, have a pathway to return to their employment and also to mitigate the serious risks to businesses and jobs.
The existing provisions of Section 12 of the Redundancy Payments Act 1967 (as amended) were not considered adequate to deal with the current Covid-19 emergency situation. As a result of Covid-19, there have been immediate and unprecedented volumes of temporary lay-offs and short-time work. Under the existing timelines set out in Section 12 of the Act, this could have resulted in a large number of redundancies over a very short period of time. Employers are obliged to pay redundancy entitlements to employees who have been temporarily laid off after the periods of time currently provided for in Section 12. This would have serious unintended and detrimental financial impacts on businesses and employees and would have an adverse impact on the potential for a business to recover which could result in insolvency situations. This would only exacerbate the risk of further permanent job losses.
For these reasons emergency legislation was enacted which temporarily suspended the provisions of section 12 for the emergency period. The suspension was considered vital to ensure the future viability of businesses which in turn will help prevent further permanent job losses. In light of the on-going emergency situation the end date of the emergency measure was extended to 17th September so that businesses can continue to recover and plan their future staffing requirements.
It is important to note that an employee’s right to claim redundancy after a temporary period of lay-off or short-time has not been removed; rather, it has been deferred for a temporary period in this unprecedented emergency situation.
The matter of a further extension beyond 17th September is currently under consideration. In its deliberations the Government will have regard to the public health and labour market situations.
651. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection when appointments for the public services card will be reinstated; and the mitigation measures put in place by her Department to enable persons without a card to apply for free travel and other social welfare entitlement which require a card. [21110/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra703. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection when appointments for public services cards will resume; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21858/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra732. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection when scheduling for appointments for the public services card will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22145/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 651, 703 and 732 together.
The SAFE registration process, which my Department uses to authenticate a person's identity, is a face- to-face process which results in the issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC).
At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, my Department temporarily postponed the SAFE registration process. This decision was taken to comply with HSE and WHO guidelines in respect of social distancing.
I am happy to confirm that the SAFE registration service has now resumed in most Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. This is being done in line with all relevant guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the Department's customers and staff, and I expect that the service will be fully resumed nationwide over the coming weeks.
To help manage social distancing in its offices, my Department has suspended the online appointments system for SAFE registration appointments. Any person wishing to book an appointment should contact their local Intreo Centre and they will be assigned one.
My Department is also contacting people who are entitled to Free Travel and who have not yet received their Free Travel PSC, inviting them to contact their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, to arrange their SAFE registration.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
