Duncan Smith
Ceist:125. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the provision of a new school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25810/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (125)
Freagraí scríofa
I can confirm for the Deputy that the Department is currently finalising a site identification exercise in order to technically appraise suitable sites within the relevant school planning areas, for the post primary school to which you refer. This exercise has been progressed during the past months, in line with restrictions in place due to the covid-19 pandemic, nevertheless, my officials have progressed the exercise to the point where final site selection is imminent. Further announcements will be made when it becomes possible to do so.
Due to obvious commercial sensitivities, I cannot elaborate any further at this juncture but please rest assured that the project is being given due consideration and attention.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (126)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:126. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a new school project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25811/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan. The project is currently at Stage 1 of architectural planning which entails preliminary site surveys, location suitability and initial sketch scheme.
A review in 2019 of the demand for post-primary provision in the area resulted in an increase in the schedule of accommodation to cater for up to 1,300 pupils.
The Stage 1 report has just been received by my Department. Upon review, my Department will then be in contact with the school and its design team with regard to the further progression of the project.
Special Educational Needs Staff
Ceisteanna (127)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:127. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education her views on a school (details supplied) which is seeking an additional allocation of SNAs to meet the increased demand for special educational resources within the student cohort; and if the application will be supported. [25833/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews. My Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations. Accordingly, the question has been referred to the NCSE for direct reply.
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.
It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
Schools were notified of the arrangements for the allocation of SNA support in respect of students in mainstream classes for the current school year. The arrangements include the following provisions:
- 2019/20 mainstream class SNA allocations were frozen, from the date of issue of Circular 0030/2020, and have automatically rolled over into the current school year. This means that no school will receive an allocation less than that which they have on the date of issue of this Circular and existing SNAs currently in standard SNA posts were allowed to continue in these posts for the current school year in the normal way.
- A diagnosis of a disability, or a psychological or other professional report, is not be necessary for this process.
- The role of the SNA to support the care needs of students in mainstream classes, as set out in Circular 0030/2014, remains unchanged.
It is expected that schools will review and reprioritise the deployment of SNAs within mainstream settings and allocate resources to ensure those with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support. Providing access to SNA support continues to be based on primary care needs as outlined in DES Circular 0030/2014.
Schools may apply to the NCSE for additionality where they can demonstrate that the current allocation does not meet additional care needs within the mainstream classes in the school. Applications for additionality arising from significant new or emerging additional care needs, which cannot be catered within existing allocations, are dealt with by way of the exceptional review process.
The exceptional review process for mainstream allocations is available to schools throughout the current school year.
Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.
A school can appeal the outcome of an exceptional review and details of how to do this are here https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/GuidanceSchoolAppealing-Exceptional-Review-outcome.docx
State Examinations
Ceisteanna (128)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:128. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on the sitting of the leaving certificate for the class of 2021 taking into consideration that traditional exam settings may not be suitable in view of social distancing requirements; if predicted grades will be used during the leaving certificate for the class of 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25838/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 21 August, I announced a series of changes that would be made to assessment arrangements for both Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations for 2021. This announcement was accompanied by a published document detailing these changes, Assessment Arrangements for Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate Examinations 2021, which forms part of the overall Roadmap for the Full Return to School.
These arrangements are designed to take account of the disrupted learning experienced by students during the 2019/20 school year and to factor in for some further possible loss of learning time in the 2020/21 school year as a contingency measure. As the loss of learning through school closures will have affected students’ engagement with their course of study in different ways, the adjustments put in place will play to students’ strengths by leaving intact the familiar overall structure of the examinations, while incorporating additional choice. The adjustments have been arrived at through discussions between my Department, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and key stakeholders.
These changes to the national assessment arrangements have been made with due regard for the principles of equity, fairness and integrity, as these principles apply to assessment and examinations and refer to student to-student, subject-to-subject, and year-to-year comparisons over time. The changes provide reassurance to students, their parents/guardians, teachers and schools.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC), which has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, intends to operate the 2021 state examinations as normally as possible, with appropriate contingency built in, in line with prevailing public health advice. It is not proposed that there will be any change to the length of the written examinations. For subjects where the SEC issues project briefs during the 2020/21 school year, the intention is to issue these at least four weeks earlier than normal. For subjects with course work completion dates typically late in the school year, schools will be asked to submit this coursework at least two weeks earlier than normal as a contingency measure. In this context teachers are being encouraged to plan and undertake these projects as early as possible in the programme of study.
School Costs
Ceisteanna (129)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:129. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the estimated full year cost of measures (details supplied). [25850/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to full year cost of measure is set out in the table below.
|
Details |
Estimated Full Year Cost €m |
|
Indicative estimate of providing free primary and post-primary school books to all pupils across all fully publicly funded schools based on a survey by Barnados |
€40 |
|
Abolishing all fees for third level students both capitation and tuition |
€242* |
|
Restoring capitation grant to Primary and Post Primary Schools to pre-2010 levels. |
€19.8 |
|
Abolishing student fees for all EU post graduate students |
See Note below |
|
Restoring student grants to pre-2008 levels |
In excess of €100m See note below |
|
Restoring support for guidance to pre-2008 levels |
See Note below |
*Free Fees initiative eligible undergraduate students
Abolishing student fees for all EU post graduate students
The Department does not operate a free tuition fee scheme for postgraduate study and the tuition fees payable are a matter for the relevant Higher Education Institution to determine.
The cost to the State associated with the establishment of a scheme to provide for postgraduate tuition fees would be dependent on varying factors including the type of study (full-time or part-time), varying fees associated with different course types, eligibility requirements for students should such a scheme be set up and the overall level of places to be supported with any free tuition fees. In the absence of established parameters for eligibility under an equivalent post graduate scheme to the undergraduate free fees initiative, baseline student numbers and the tuition fee costs of such a cohort of students it is not possible to accurately estimate the potential costs of such a scheme.
As the deputy will be aware the Programme for Government commits to develop a long-term sustainable funding model for higher level education. The Minister has previously set out an intention to specifically examine student supports to ensure all students have access to educational opportunities and supports that will help them to fulfil their potential. Furthermore, a comprehensive economic evaluation of the funding options presented in the Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education is underway supported under the European Commission DG Reform Programme.
Restoring student grants to pre-2008 levels
It is not possible to definitively calculate the cost of the various adjustments that have been made to the student support system since 2008, particularly in light of the demographic changes that have taken place.
To put it in context, in 2008/09 there were 57,261 students who benefitted from grant support at a cost of €264m, whereas in 2018/19 there were over 74,000 students in receipt of grant support at a cost of circa €347m.
It is estimated, however that it would cost in excess of €100m to reverse all of the adjustments that have been made to the student grant scheme since 2008.
Restoring support for guidance to pre-2008 levels
Measures announced by my Department as part of Budgets 2016, 2017 and 2018 mean that 500 of the 600 guidance posts that were withdrawn during the financial crises were restored to schools from September 2018.
This allocation is provided separately and transparently on each school's staffing schedule. These posts have been ring-fenced so they can only be used for guidance activities and to meet the guidance needs of the school.
The Department has committed considerable resources towards the restoration of guidance counselling hours to post-primary schools, to the provision of CPD for guidance counsellors and to the provision of a national guidance counselling supervision service for post-primary guidance counsellors.
As part of the COVID-19 operational supports to schools for the 2020/21 school year, approximately 120 posts have been provided for guidance to support student wellbeing. These posts bring guidance provision in schools back to the level last seen before the financial crisis and any posts that were withdrawn have now been fully restored.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (130)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:130. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the number of primary and post-primary schools that have provided a mobile number for a designated contact following communication from her Department on 8 September 2020; and the recourse if a mobile number for a designated contact is not provided. [25871/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department wrote to school principals on 8 September requesting a mobile number for a designated contact, preferably the School Principal, who can be contacted in the event of a suspected case.
As of Friday 18 September 2020, my Department has had receipt of mobile phone numbers for 2,360 primary schools and 474 post primary-schools.
Where schools have yet to respond, my Department will be following up with school principals to emphasise the importance of providing this information in a timely manner. In any case where a school number is not provided my Department will be liaising with school management bodies to ensure contact numbers are provided.
Teaching Council of Ireland
Ceisteanna (131)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:131. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the reason for requesting teachers that re-register with the Teaching Council to furnish original transcripts of their qualifications in view of the fact their credentials are available by accessing the Department's teacher number and PPS number; the consideration that will be given to streamlining and simplifying the process for those returning to teaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25878/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State. The Council registers teachers in accordance with the Teaching Council Acts and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016, as amended.
The Teaching Council has informed me that in the event that a teacher lapses from the Register and subsequently reapplies a full application form must be submitted by the teacher under Section 31 of the Act. This may include supporting documentation linked to qualifications and recognition outside the State. Where the Council has previously received the documentation and it meets the current requirements, the applicant is not required to re-submit the documentation.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (132)
Niall Collins
Ceist:132. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if a series of matters raised in a joint submission by two schools (details supplied) will addressed; if the schools will receive assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25937/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has published a suite of helpful guidance for the safe and sustainable reopening of schools. Each school is required to have a COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe operation through the prevention, early detection and control of COVID-19 in line with public health advice. This guidance is focused on the practical steps schools must take to minimise the risk of transmission of infection. This guidance has been developed in line with public health advice issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
Government policy, which is based on official public health advice, is to avoid non – essential travel, other than to countries on the ‘Green List’ where the advice is to take normal precautions.
It is a requirement for anyone coming into Ireland, from locations other than those with a rating of ‘normal precautions’ (“green”), to restrict their movements for 14 days, and this includes school staff, parents and children or other students coming from abroad to attend school in Ireland. Restricting your movements means staying indoors in one location and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.
The school has a duty of care to all of its pupils and staff members. Where a person – staff member or pupil - has not observed the mandatory requirement to self-isolate for 14 days following return from a non-green list country, it is reasonable for the school to refuse access to the pupil or staff member for this period.
The Department is in direct contact with these schools to provide assistance and guidance in implementing public health measures.
Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Ceisteanna (133)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:133. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection if recipients of the Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment paid at the top rate will be made eligible for free Springboard courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25771/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Back to Education Allowance has recently been extended as part of the July Stimulus in response to Covid-19. Ordinarily a person must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a minimum period of time before pursuing training or education. This condition is now being waived for recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment seeking to return to education, including SpringBoard courses. This provides that those impacted by the pandemic have education options available to them for the upcoming academic year.
If a person currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment wants to apply for a SpringBoard course through the Back to Education Allowance, they should apply for and transfer to a Jobseeker’s payment. Their rate of Back to Education Allowance payment will be linked to their qualifying social welfare rate of payment.
Any person in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment and seeking to apply for a SpringBoard course should contact their Intreo Centre to discuss the options available to them having regard to their specific circumstances.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Schemes Data
Ceisteanna (134)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:134. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount paid out annually in rent allowance in 2019 and to date in 2020; and the projected amount for the remainder of 2020 and 2021. [25688/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rent Supplement expenditure in 2019 was €125.2m.
At the end of August 2020, expenditure on Rent Supplement was €86.4m.
The 2020 Revised Estimates passed by the Dáil on 28th May 2020 provided an allocation of €164.6m. The estimate was based on projections for additional recipients in 2020 as a result of the COVID 19 public health emergency. It is expected that the outturn will be lower than the estimate due to lower number of recipients than provided for but this has yet to be finalised and trends in recipient numbers will continue to be monitored in the coming months.
The 2021 estimate for Rent Supplement has not yet been determined. The Department has been closely monitoring trends over the past few months and will continue to do so over the coming weeks to inform the estimate for 2021. An estimate will be agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for inclusion in the Budget 2021 estimates in October.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (135)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:135. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of ensuring the State contributory and non-contributory pensions are available to all those that reach 65 years of age. [25689/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Reducing the State Pension Age to 65 years would increase pension related expenditure significantly. My Department’s best current estimate of changing the pension age to 65 with effect from 1/1/2021 is that it would cost €450 million extra in the first year, €845 million extra in the second year, rising to over €1 billion extra in 2025, and this extra cost would continue to rise every year thereafter. The accumulated cost differential for the period 2021-2025 would be over €4.25 billion, i.e., it would cost c.€4.25 billion more than the existing system.
The estimates are for net costs and take into consideration additional increases or reductions arising in PRSI receipts, movements from other social welfare schemes, and secondary benefit entitlements including Free Travel, Fuel Allowance, Household Benefit Payment and Telephone Allowance. The estimates are based on current rates of payments and do not make any provision for rate increases. It should be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revisions of the estimated numbers of recipients.
Through its Programme for Government “Our Shared Future”, the Government has already committed to defer the planned increase in the State Pension Age next year keeping it at 66 years of age, and to introduce a Retirement Payment for those who retire at age 65 at the same rate as Jobseeker's Benefit without a requirement to sign on, partake in any activation measures or be available for and genuinely seeking work. Subject to Government approval, I intend to bring the necessary legislation for these initiatives before the Oireachtas later this year.
The Deputy is aware that the public policy and social issues in relation to funding a sustainable and adequate State pension system are complex. That is why the Programme for Government also commits to the establishment of a Commission on Pensions to examine a range of issues including contributions, calculation methods, sustainability, eligibility and intergenerational fairness. The Terms of Reference for the Commission on Pensions are currently being developed and options for its membership are being considered. I will bring proposals in that regard to Government as soon as possible. Once it has concluded its deliberations, the Commission will report to Government by June of next year.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (136)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:136. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of reinstating the transitionary pension. [25690/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
When State Pension (Transition) existed, it was a scheme which allowed those who were retired to get a transitionary payment between the ages of 65 and 66 years. The maximum personal rate was equivalent to the then maximum rate for the State Pension (Contributory). Eligibility was based on PRSI contributions and credits. It is important to note that the conditions and eligibility requirements for State Pension (Transition) were different to those for the State Pension (Contributory). For example, a person had to have a minimum average of 24 contributions per annum to be eligible for the previous model of State Pension (Transition) whereas an average of 10 contributions per annum is required for State Pension (Contributory) eligibility. In addition, recipients of the previous model of State Pension (Transition) were not eligible for Free Travel, the Household Benefits Package (electricity, gas, TV licence) or Living Alone Allowance.
My Department’s best current estimate for the gross cost of reintroducing State Pension (Transition), on the same basis as it previously operated, is €293 million for a full year. It is expected that these costs would be offset somewhat by savings of €166 million on Working Age Schemes, arising from recipients transferring from these schemes to State Pension (Transition), giving a net cost of €127 million each year. These figures are based on current payment rates. This costing was calculated based on analysis of the observed ratio of State Pension (Transition) awards to State Pension (Contributory) awards for the period from 2009 to 2012, and projecting this forward in terms of estimated recipient numbers in coming years. It should be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revisions of the estimated numbers of recipients.
The Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” commits to introducing a Retirement Payment for 65 year olds paid at the same rate as Jobseeker's Benefit without a requirement to sign on, partake in any activation measures or be available for and genuinely seeking work. I wish to assure the Deputy that I have made the introduction of the new Retirement Payment an immediate priority for my Department. Officials in my Department are currently considering the design of the scheme and assessing the necessary legislation, ICT system requirements and administrative processes required to support the introduction of this payment. The Programme for Government also states that the planned increase in the State Pension Age next year will be deferred and it will remain at 66 years. Subject to Government approval, it is my intention to bring the necessary legislation for both of these initiatives before the Oireachtas later this year.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (137)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:137. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to introduce a universal State pension of €250 weekly and reduce the pension age to 65 years of age. [25691/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At present, the State pension system comprises two basic components. Firstly, the State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested pension funded from taxation. Secondly, the State Pension (Contributory) is not means-tested but is based on social insurance (PRSI) contributions and paid from the Social Insurance Fund, and as such it is important to ensure that those qualifying for the State Pension (Contributory) have made a sustained contribution to the Social Insurance Fund over their working lives.
The introduction of a universal State pension paid at full rate to everyone of 65 years of age and over, regardless of their PRSI contributions or their means, would require fundamental reform of the State pension system, and perhaps to the entire model of social insurance. It would give rise to a range of considerable policy and operational issues. Examples include -
- the impact on customer behaviour with respect to work, work patterns, employment status, personal savings, contributions into the system in tax/PRSI, etc.;
- the interplay between the State pension system and occupational and private pensions and the scope of the State to support such arrangements;
- the applicability of such a pension to those in public service employments;
- the potential legal issues involved in different treatments of those with occupational pensions in the private and public sector and those with a mix;
- how such a system would work with existing EU pension and social security law and with international bilateral arrangements; and
- the treatment of retirees who are not resident in the State, but who have built up a contributory pension entitlement over the years that they worked here and paid PRSI.
Given the various potential factors involved, estimating the costing of a universal State pension is challenging and would vary significantly depending on the specific design components. However, it is clear that the cost would be very substantial. Based on preliminary assessments, officials in my Department expect that the additional cost over the cost of the existing State pension system could be over €3 billion per annum and potentially substantially more depending on decisions with respect to some of the factors mentioned above.
Clearly, this would be very expensive and would require either considerable additional revenues, or, if introduced on a cost-neutral basis, very significant diversion of funds from elsewhere.
The Deputy is aware that the public policy and social issues in relation to funding a sustainable and adequate State pension system are complex. That is why the Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Commission on Pensions to examine a range of issues including contributions, calculation methods, sustainability, eligibility and intergenerational fairness. The Terms of Reference for the Commission on Pensions are currently being developed and options for its membership are being considered. I will bring proposals in that regard to Government as soon as possible. Once it has concluded its deliberations, the Commission will report to Government by June of next year.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Housing Issues
Ceisteanna (138)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:138. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if the funds saved following the transfer of recipients of rent allowance to HAP, leasing arrangements and RAS have then been transferred to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the organisation responsible for the latter payments; and if so, the amount in each of the years since the commencement of the payments. [25693/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Department prepares estimates for Rent Supplement for the coming year based on emerging trends on recipients for Rent Supplement having regard to anticipated transfers to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) over that year.
Similarly, the Department of Housing prepares annual expenditure estimates for Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) based on trends and expected demand for the schemes administered by local authorities.
Expenditure on Rent Supplement is monitored and explained against the allocation provided for in the Revised Estimate each year. There is no transfer of funds between the two departments following transfer of recipients to HAP or RAS because any transfer of recipients envisaged is provided for in the HAP and RAS estimates provided for in the Department of Housing's Vote at the start of each year.
Social Welfare Rates
Ceisteanna (139)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:139. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of reinstating a concurrent payment of half-rate illness benefit and jobseeker’s benefit in addition to one parent family payment and widow’s and widower’s pensions. [25695/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Until 2012, recipients of a Widow's or Widower's Pension or a One-Parent Family Payment who met all the qualifying conditions for Jobseeker's Benefit or Illness Benefit, were entitled to concurrently claim half the normal rate of Jobseeker's or Illness Benefit.
When the concurrent payment of half-rate Illness Benefit and Jobseeker's Benefit, in addition to One-Parent Family Payment and Widow's and Widower's Pensions, was abolished in Budget 2012, this produced a saving of €22.6 million in a full year.
I am advised that the Department is not immediately in a position to determine how much it would cost to reintroduce this, as it is not known how many lone parents, jobseekers, widows, widowers or surviving civil partners recipients would also qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit or Illness Benefit and as such be entitled to concurrent half-rate payments.
Child Benefit
Ceisteanna (140)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:140. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to increase child benefit in respect of children over 12 years of age by €30. [25697/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Child benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children in respect of all qualified children up to the age of 16 years. The payment continues to be paid in respect of children until their 18th birthday who are in full-time education, or who have a disability. Child benefit is currently paid, as of end-August 2020, to over 638,244 families in respect of over 1.2 million children. The estimated expenditure on Child Benefit in 2019 is in excess of €2 billion.
According to the most recent data available from the Central Statistics Office, there were 391,233 children aged between 12-18 years in the state in 2019. The cost of a €30 weekly increase per child in this age cohort is estimated at €610.3 million per annum.
Increasing Child Benefit in this way is not considered a targeted measure and any change to Child Benefit involves significant cost implications, and therefore would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
Back to Education Allowance
Ceisteanna (141, 147)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:141. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of reversing cuts to the back to education allowance. [25699/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuncan Smith
Ceist:147. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if time spent on a Covid-19 payment will be allowed as a qualifying period for VTOS courses and studies; if there has been discussion with the Department of Education on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25813/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 147 together.
Government has provided almost €57 million for the Back to Education Allowance in 2020. This represents a considerable investment in supporting participants to acquire the necessary education and skills to re-enter the labour market.
The weekly rate of payment is linked to the persons' underlying payment, for example jobseeker's allowance, and all budget increases in these rates are applied to Back to Education Allowance recipients. Any rate changes would have to be considered in a budgetary context and within the scope of the overall resources available for welfare improvements.
I wish to draw the Deputy's attention to that fact that the allowance has recently been extended as part of the July Stimulus in response to Covid-19. Ordinarily a person must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a minimum period of time before pursuing training or education This condition is now being waived for recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment seeking to return to education. This provides that those impacted by the pandemic have training and education options available to them for the upcoming academic year.
If a person currently in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment wants to apply for Back to Education Allowance, they can now choose to apply for and transfer to a Jobseeker’s payment. Their rate of Back to Education Allowance payment will be linked to their qualifying social welfare rate of payment. Whereas the pandemic unemployment payment is short term in nature and scheduled to cease at the end of March 2021, the Back to Education Allowance provides long term income support which can be provided for the duration of an education course and which can extend for up to 3 or 4 years depending on the individuals circumstances.
There is also an annual Cost of Education Allowance of €500 available to participants of the Back to Education Allowance scheme who have one or more dependent children.
Any person in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment and seeking to return to education should contact their Intreo Centre to discuss the options available to them including access the Back to Education Allowance.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Ceisteanna (142)
Seán Canney
Ceist:142. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to immediately reinstate the full rate per week of the employment wage subsidy scheme and pandemic unemployment payment payments to those persons employed in the events and entertainment industry until they are allowed to return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25711/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been extended until 31st March 2020 and will support sectors facing extended periods of closure, including the events and entertainment sector. I have also secured approval to keep the scheme open to new applicants until the end of the year.
Of the approximately 206,300 people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week some 5,800, or 2.8%, are members of the arts, entertainment and recreation sector. This represents a 59% reduction from 14,200 claimants in that sector at the peak in May.
From 17 September the pandemic unemployment payment will be paid at three rates. Individuals whose prior earnings were €300 or over per week will receive a payment of €300 per week. A rate of €250 will apply to those who earned between €200 and €300 and the rate of €203 remains unchanged for those with prior earnings of less than €200. My Department is advising recipients of the changes in rate and setting out the basis for the decision in each case.
These new rates will apply to all recipients. I do not think it would be fair to make exceptions for those who had previously worked in the events and entertainment sector, while applying the changes to the majority of recipients who have worked in other sectors.
I trust this clarifies the position.
Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
Ceisteanna (143)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:143. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment will affect the determination of average weekly earnings for PRSI-based social welfare payments, for example, jobseeker’s benefit when 2020 is the relevant tax year, for example, in 2022. [25744/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare (Covid-19) (Amendment) Act 2020 put the pandemic unemployment payment on a statutory basis since 5th August and ensures that people who lost their jobs, or were temporarily laid-off, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic shall be deemed to have made an employment contribution in line with that which they would have made if they had remained in employment.
This means that people who lost their jobs on foot of the public health crisis will not lose out in accessing social insurance benefits subject to satisfying the statutory conditionality for the particular scheme. The specific details as to how these contributions could impact on average weekly earnings for PRSI based social welfare payments in 2022 will require detailed consideration by my Department and any necessary measures will be put in place at that time.
I trust this clarifies the position at this time.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (144)
Chris Andrews
Ceist:144. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Social Protection the social welfare supports available to a person (details supplied) who is an Irish citizen but resides in England. [25773/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The department received a claim for IP for the lady concerned on 28 April 2020. The claim was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on 15 July 2020 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal. She requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of her request. Following a review of all the information available it was decided that there was no change to the original decision and she was notified on 11 September 2020 of the outcome of the review.
The lady concerned has also appealed the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO), and has submitted further medical evidence in support of her appeal. This additional medical evidence will be examined to establish if it alters the original decision before her case is referred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. If the decision is unchanged following this review, her file will be sent to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for further determination by an Appeals Officer. If she satisfies the medical conditions for Invalidity Pension as a result of the review she will be awarded Invalidity Pension provided she satisfies all other conditions for the scheme. .
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Redundancy Payments
Ceisteanna (145)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:145. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if the extension of the restriction on redundancy rights precludes a laid-off worker who cannot afford to wait to be rehired and takes another job, and loses their entitlement to redundancy lump sum payments from the original employer; and if they will qualify for that redundancy payment at a future date when the restrictions are lifted. [25786/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly I would like to say that the decision to extend the emergency measure relating to temporary lay-off or short-time work which arose as a result of Covid-19 has been a difficult one. I know many employees who have been laid off are experiencing great uncertainty but in making this decision the Government had to consider the need to ensure businesses survive, which in turn ensures further permanent job losses are avoided as much as possible.
While an employee may be temporarily laid off from their usual employment, there is no statutory provision in employment legislation which prohibits them from seeking alternative employment. If an employee chooses to take up other employment during that temporary lay-off and they remain available to resume their employment with their usual employer, they have an entitlement to claim redundancy from that employer when this emergency measure ends.
When the emergency measure ceases to have effect and the employee has not been taken back to work by their usual employer, they are entitled to claim redundancy from that employer. Under existing provisions the employer can then either agree to the redundancy payment if they still have no work available to offer the employee, or the employer may within seven days of the employee’s claim for redundancy, give a counter notice by offering the employee not less than 13 weeks unbroken employment (with no lay-off or short-time) starting within four weeks of the employee serving notice.
If the employer does not fulfil the counter notice above and the lay-off or short-time persists the employee retains the right to claim redundancy from their employer.
In situations where an employer offers to take the employee back to work from temporary lay-off to their job and the employee chooses not to return to that employment a redundancy situation does not arise and the employee does not have an entitlement to claim redundancy.
Carer's Allowance
Ceisteanna (146)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:146. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of carer’s allowance applications over the past three years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25799/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer'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.
I can advise the Deputy that the number of CA applications received in my department from
1 January 2018 up to 31 August 2020 are as follows.
|
Year |
Number of Applications |
|
2018 |
20,117 |
|
2019 |
19,402 |
|
2020* |
12,211* |
*up to 31 August 2020
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Question No. 147 answered with Question No. 141.
Social Welfare Rates
Ceisteanna (148)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:148. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to increase social welfare payments to 2009 levels. [25840/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following tables set out the cost of increasing the individual social welfare payment rates to 2009 levels where the current rate is below 2009 rate:
|
Scheme |
Full year cost of restoring rates to 2009 levels |
|
Social Insurance Schemes |
€m |
|
Widow/er's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Con) Pension |
1.97 |
|
Deserted Wife's Benefit |
0.17 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
4.22 |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
0.14 |
|
Disablement Pension |
0.39 |
|
Illness Benefit |
3.3 |
|
Injury Benefit |
0.06 |
|
Incapacity Supplement |
0.06 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
3.53 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
0.18 |
|
Health and Safety Benefit |
0 |
|
Maternity & Adoptive Benefit (Based on old max rate) |
37.95 |
|
Paternity Benefit (Based on old Maternity Benefit max rate) |
5.15 |
|
Total Social Insurance Schemes |
57.12 |
|
Scheme |
Full year cost of restoring rates to 2009 levels |
|
Social Assistance Schemes |
€m |
|
Blind Pension |
0.08 |
|
Widow/ers or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-Con) Pension |
0.09 |
|
Deserted Wife's Allowance |
0.01 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
2.66 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
3.52 |
|
Half Rate Carer's Allowance |
0.95 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
17.81 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance - for those aged 18 to 24 years of age |
122.04 |
|
Disability Allowance |
10.67 |
|
Farm Assist |
0.47 |
|
Back to Education Allowance |
0.33 |
|
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance |
0.24 |
|
Community Employment |
0.22 |
|
TÚS |
0.05 |
|
Rural Social Scheme |
0.06 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
2.96 |
|
Total Social Assistance Schemes |
162.16 |
|
Overall Total |
219.28 |
The costs shown above are on a full year basis and are based on the estimated number of recipients in 2020, with the exception of Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit, which are based on the estimated number of recipients for 2021. It should be noted that these costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients for 2021.
It should also be noted that these costings include proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment, where relevant.
Social Welfare Code
Ceisteanna (149)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:149. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of measures (details supplied). [25849/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
1. The estimated cost of increasing the Fuel Allowance by two weeks, from 28 to 30 weeks is €18.3 million in a full year.
2. As the current weekly rates of payment are in excess of 2008 levels, no additional costs would arise.
3. The estimated full year cost of increasing the weekly rate of the State Pension Contributory, Widow(er)’s and Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension, Deserted Wife's Benefit (age over 66), Death Benefit Contributory Pension and State Pension Non-Contributory to €260 per week is estimated at €451.2 million. This costing includes proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment where relevant.
4. The cost of a 110% Christmas Bonus payment is estimated to be circa €322 million in 2020.
5. The full year cost of increasing all weekly social assistance and social insurance payments by €10 per week is estimated to be €783.6 million. This costing includes proportionate increases for qualified adults and for those on reduced rates of payment where relevant.
6. The cost of increasing the Working Family Payment multiplier from 60% to 75% is estimated to be in the region of €92.5 million in a full year.
7. Child benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children in respect of all qualified children up to the age of 16 years. The payment continues to be paid in respect of children until their 18th birthday when they are in full-time education, or if they have a disability. It is estimated that the full year cost of extending the child benefit payment to 18 year olds in secondary level education is an additional €58.3 million per year.
8. The Department is not in a position to provide the cost of increasing the age of the youngest child to 18 years for receipt of One Parent Family Payment (OPF), without extensive analysis of the lone parent population which could potentially benefit from this provision. Firstly, this change could result in a cohort of lone parents that are currently not in receipt of a social welfare payment becoming eligible for a payment. Secondly, some customers could seek to move from alternative payments such as Jobseekers Allowance (JA), the Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST) and the Back to Work Family Dividend (BTWFD) back to the OFP. Again, it would be difficult to estimate the magnitude of this flow between schemes. Finally, such a change to the scheme would also increase the incidence of dual payments of OFP and the Working Family Payment (formerly FIS). It is not possible to predict the impact on payments as a result of the interaction between both schemes without having detailed knowledge of individuals’ working patterns and the degree to which these might change.
9. Based on 2020 recipient numbers, the annual cost of increasing the Back to School Clothing and Footwear rates by €50 per child, from €150 to €200 per child in respect of children aged 4 to 11 and from €275 to €325 per child for children aged 12 years and over in second level education, is estimated at €13.2 million.
10. Each additional week of maternity benefit would cost approximately €10.3m. To increase the duration of paid maternity leave from 26 weeks to 52 weeks would cost approximately €267.8 million in a full year. It should also be noted that there are additional costs to the Exchequer as these estimates do not include the costs of salary top-ups for public/civil servants.
These costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated numbers of recipients.