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Wednesday, 14 Oct 2020

Written Answers Nos. 219-233

Jobseeker's Allowance

Ceisteanna (219)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for jobseeker's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30422/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There is no record of an application for Jobseeker’s Allowance received from the person concerned in my Department.

Should the person concerned wish to submit an application, the easiest way to do so is online at www.MyWelfare.ie.

If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulty while awaiting the outcome of her Jobseeker’s Allowance, it is open to her to contact her local community welfare service to seek assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. Information for schemes administered by my Department can be viewed at the Department’s website www.Gov.ie

I trust this clarifies the matter.

State Pension (Contributory)

Ceisteanna (220)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

220. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an increase for a qualified adult State pension (contributory) for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30426/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An increase for qualified adult (IQA) is a means-tested payment which may be payable with State pension (contributory). It may be awarded to a person whose spouse, or civil partner, or co-habitant is being wholly, or mainly, maintained by them. It may be paid where that qualified adult’s personal means, from any source, do not exceed a means test income limit - based on the means held solely or jointly by the qualified adult.

The person concerned applied for the Increase for qualified adult on 5 May 2020. An acknowledgement was issued on 19 May 2020 and the matter was referred to the Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) to determine the means (including from farming), of their spouse. Due to the Covid Pandemic the Social Welfare Inspector has been unable to make a visit. The SWI will contact the person concerned on 14 October 2020.

A decision will be made on the IQA payment once the SWI's report on the means assessment is complete. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Training Support Grant

Ceisteanna (221)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

221. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for a training support grant by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30429/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The person concerned contacted Listowel Intreo in April regarding a Training Support Grant (TSG) for an Animal Grooming course that they had started in March. The person concerned was advised that they should have sought approval prior to training commencing. She then clarified that the course had not yet commenced so a TSG application was sent to her. In June following a request a TSG form was issued to the Training provider. There is no record of the receipt of either of the completed forms in Listowel Intreo to date.

A further application form is being issued to the customer today . On the return of the completed form the application will be processed.

Social Welfare Benefits

Ceisteanna (222)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

222. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to pay a Christmas bonus to recipients of social protection payments in 2020; and the date on which this will happen. [30444/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A 100% Christmas Bonus will be paid this year to recipients of long-term social welfare payments (minimum payment of €20).

On an exceptional basis this year, the payment of a Christmas Bonus equivalent to 100% of the weekly payment will be paid to recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and equivalent recipients of jobseeker payments who have been in receipt of these payments for four months or more.

The Bonus will be paid in early December. Over 1.5 million people will benefit, including pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, lone parents and the long-term unemployed.

Carer's Allowance

Ceisteanna (223)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

223. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer’s allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30454/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9 March 2020. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 15 April 2020.

Having considered the evidence in this appeal, the Appeals Officer was of the opinion that the case could not be best determined on a summary basis and, in those circumstances, it would be necessary to convene an oral hearing. However, due to the restrictions arising as a result of Covid-19, it has not been possible to hold an in-person appeal hearing in this case.

Appeals are currently being determined on the basis of written submissions. In some cases it has also been possible for Appeals Officers to progress appeals by way of telephone calls and email on issues relating to an appeal (which might otherwise have been ascertained in the course of an oral hearing) and bring the matter to a conclusion. The person concerned may wish to submit any additional information in support of their appeal for the Appeals Officer's immediate consideration.

The Chief Appeals Officer has advised me that the use of video technology for remote hearings is also being examined. The use of video technology will need to ensure the maintenance of fair procedures, confidentiality, compliance with data protection and other legal requirements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Public Services Card

Ceisteanna (224)

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

224. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the increase in new applications for public services cards since 28 March 2020. [30488/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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, my Department temporarily postponed the SAFE registration process. This decision was taken to comply with HSE and WHO guidelines in respect of social distancing.

My Department has now resumed the SAFE registration service in the majority of Intreo Centres and Branch Offices and this is being done in accordance with all relevant guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the Department's customers and staff.

In addition, my Department is 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

To help manage social distancing in our offices, the 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.

Since SAFE registration resumed in July, some 25,000 customers have been SAFE registered. The number of PSCs, including renewals, replacements and new PSCs, issued since April 2020 is in excess of 130,000.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (225)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

225. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in a decision on an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30500/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18 March 2020. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 7 April 2020.

Having considered the evidence in this appeal the Appeals Officer was of the opinion that the case could not be best determined on a summary basis and, in those circumstances, it would be necessary to convene an oral hearing. However, due to the restrictions arising as a result of Covid-19, it has not been possible to hold an in-person appeal hearing in this case.

Appeals are currently being determined on the basis of written submissions. In some cases it has also been possible for Appeals Officers to progress appeals by way of telephone calls and email on issues relating to an appeal (which might otherwise have been ascertained in the course of an oral hearing) and bring the matter to a conclusion. The person concerned may wish to submit any additional information in support of their appeal for the Appeals Officer's immediate consideration.

The Chief Appeals Officer has advised me that the use of video technology for remote hearings is also being examined. The use of video technology will need to ensure the maintenance of fair procedures, confidentiality, compliance with data protection and other legal requirements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Ceisteanna (226)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

226. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if payment will be made to a person (details supplied) with regard to backdated Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payments that her Department has informed the person are due. [30503/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since the introduction of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment scheme in March, approximately 750,000 people have applied for payment and in some cases, they have done so on a number of occasions as they moved in and out of employment. Consequently, there are over 1 million applications to be examined to determine if arrears are due.

The Department has been developing an automated process, which will examine each case and look at their overall entitlement to payment and match this against their payment history. Given the complexity attached to the project, it is taking some time to review all cases and determine to what extent, if any, arrears are due to individuals

The Department is aware that many people are due some arrears of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. You can be assured that all cases will be examined and if arrears are due they will be processed and the customer will be notified accordingly. It is hoped to have any arrears payments made before the end of the year.

Seirbhíse Buiséadaithe agus Comhairle Airgid

Ceisteanna (227)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

227. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cé na céimeanna atá sí ag dul a ghlacadh lena chinntiú go gcoinneofar oifig de chuid na Seirbhíse Buiséadaithe agus Comhairle Airgid ar oscailt ar an gCeathrú Rua de bharr gurb í an oifig sin an t-aon cheann atá in ann freastal i nGaeilge ar an bpobal Gaeltachta i gConamara agus atá lonnaithe sa nGaeltacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [30530/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Cuireann an tSeirbhís Bhuiséadta agus Chomhairle Airgid (an SBCA), faoi choimirce an Bhoird um Fhaisnéis do Shaoránaigh (an BFS), cúnamh ar fáil do dhaoine, go háirithe iad siúd a bhfuil ioncam íseal acu nó nach bhfuil ach íocaíochtaí leasa shóisialaigh á bhfáil acu mar ioncam, a bhfuil fiachais mhóra acu agus a dteastaíonn cabhair agus comhairle uathu maidir le fadhbanna fiachais. Mar chuid de na seirbhísí a sholáthraítear saor in aisce, cuireann an SBCA cabhair agus comhairle ar fáil freisin dóibh siúd a bhfuil riaráistí morgáiste acu.

Tá SBCA Chonnacht Theas ar cheann d’ocht gcuideachta réigiúnacha a ndéanann an BFS cistiú agus tacaíocht a thabhairt dóibh. Tá an BFS freagrach as Seirbhís Bhuiséadta agus Chomhairle Airgid a sholáthar do thrí chontae - Gaillimh, Maigh Eo, agus Ros Comáin. Tá SBCA Chonnacht Theas á rialú ag Bord deonach a bhfuil de chuspóir aige a chinntiú go mbíonn soláthar an SBCA agus teacht ar an SBCA comhsheasmhach agus cothrom ar fud an réigiúin iomláin.

Rinne Bord Stiúrthóirí SBCA Chonnacht Theas athbhreithniú ar sholáthar seirbhíse do chliaint, idir chliaint tuaithe agus chliaint uirbeacha, laistigh de na trí chontae. Tugadh faoin athbhreithniú seo, ag féachaint leis an úsáid is éifeachtaí agus is éifeachtúla a bhaint as acmhainní chun tacú le riachtanais na gcliant sa mhórcheantar tíreolaíochta.

Rinne Bord SBCA Chonnacht Theas an cinneadh i Meán Fómhair 2020, i ndiaidh an athbhreithnithe fhairsing seo inar scrúdaíodh staitisticí cliant agus forbairtí daonra sa cheantar tíreolaíochta, chun seirbhís dhaingean agus fhreagrúil for-rochtana, atá dírithe ar fhreastal ar riachtanais chliant, a chur in ionad láithreacht na hoifige buaine sa Cheathrú Rua. Is ar bhonn coinne a oibreofar an tseirbhís for-rochtana, agus cuirfear cabhair agus comhairle ar fáil dóibh siúd ar fud Chonamara a bhfuil fadhbanna fiachais acu, agus cuirfear seirbhís a bheidh bunaithe ar choinní ar fáil sa Cheathrú Rua agus i gceantair áitiúla eile.

Tá SBCA Chonnacht Theas tiomanta i gcónaí do sheirbhís ardchaighdeáin chomhairle airgid a sholáthar do mhuintir na Ceathrún Rua, agus leanfar de mhonatóireacht chúramach a dhéanamh ar an soláthar seirbhíse sa cheantar sin.

Tá súil agam go dtugann seo soiléiriú ar an gceist don Teachta Dála.

Back to Education Allowance

Ceisteanna (228)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

228. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will amend the back to education scheme to allow for recipients of the pandemic unemployment payment, especially those with former employers that closed down (details supplied), to retain the same level of payment if they return to education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30615/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department’s Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) provides income support for jobseekers and certain others in receipt of social welfare payments who pursue full-time courses of education at second or third level.

The BTEA has 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 before being eligible to apply for the BTEA when pursuing training or education. The qualifying period has been waived for people on coming from the PUP. This ensures that those who have lost their employment during the pandemic have immediate access to a range of educational options.

In order to avail of continued financial support while pursuing a full-time course, a person in receipt of the PUP should apply for a jobseeker payment. The BTEA is payable at the jobseekers rate. Whereas the PUP is short term in nature and scheduled to cease at the end of March 2021, the Back to Education Allowance may provide longer term income support depending on the individuals circumstances.

Where someone in receipt of PUP wishes to pursue part-time study they can continue to receive PUP while they continue to satisfy the conditions of that payment.

Any person seeking to return to education should engage with their local Intreo Centre to assess their options.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Data Protection

Ceisteanna (229)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

229. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if a data protection impact assessment has been carried out regarding the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) Records, and another Matter, Bill 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30378/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) has been conducted by my Department pursuant to Article 6(4) of the General Data Protection Guidelines, in relation to the Commission of Investigation (Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters) Records, and another Matter, Bill 2020.

A DPIA is considered best practice, and has been carried out by my Department in order to identify, address and mitigate potential data protection considerations associated with the changes proposed by the Bill, which is a requirement given the nature of the data involved and the context of the processing. The DPIA has been shared with the Data Protection Commission.

The DPIA is a live process, and on-going updating of the document will be required until such time as the Bill completes its legislative journey through the Houses. Tusla will also be conducting a parallel DPIA process as part of its due diligence exercise in preparation for receipt of the database and related records under the proposed legislation. This latter DPIA will be focused on the operational aspects arising from the Bill.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Ceisteanna (230)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

230. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the steps to be taken by the parent of a child in order to secure an additional year of preschool learning under the early childhood care and education, ECCE, programme (details supplied); and the body to which such an application should be made. [30394/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

ECCE provides two years of free pre-school. Children are eligible for ECCE if they are 2 years and 8 months old on or prior to 31 August of the year they start ECCE. In addition, a child cannot turn 5 years and 6 months of age during the course of the ECCE programme year, which runs from late August to the end of June.

In exceptional circumstances, exemptions from the upper age limit may be granted where a child has additional needs.

Overage exemptions for the ECCE programme are governed by three guiding principles:

- The child will not be 6yrs or older starting primary school.

- The child has not availed of two years of ECCE

- The application is supported with the inclusion of a letter of recommendation from a medical specialist (not a GP/Public Health Nurse) stating that it is in the best interest of the child to avail of a further year of preschool.

Applications may be made by either the parents or the service provider and submitted in writing to eyqueries@dcya.gov.ie

Family Support Services

Ceisteanna (231)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

231. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the steps taken by Tusla to ensure parental alienation does not occur as a by-product of Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30430/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Thank you deputy for your question on this important matter.

The issue of parental alienation is highly complex. While there is no specific legislative provision regarding parental alienation in Irish family law, section 246 of the Children Act 2001 provides for an offence of frightening, bullying or threatening a child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to the child's physical, mental or emotional health or wellbeing.

There is also a range of legislative provisions in place for dealing with child welfare particularly regarding the relationship between a child and his/her parents or guardians, providing the framework for a legal response to a wide spectrum of child welfare issues.

As you may already be aware the Report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Equality on Reform of the Family Law System, which was published late last year, considered the issue of parental alienation among a broad range of issues in the area of family law.

A Family Justice Oversight Group was established within the Department of Justice and Equality the membership of which includes representatives from the judiciary, the Courts Service, the Legal Aid Board and my Department. Indications are that recommendations contained in the committee’s report will be integrated into the work of that group.

Social workers in Tusla review all referrals concerning a child welfare or child protection matter and prioritise their response on the basis of potential or real risk of harm to the child. Throughout the pandemic, Tusla prioritised their direct engagement with children on the Child Protection Notification System or in need of an assessment regarding harm, with children in care in relation to access with families and with victims of domestic violence.

The courts may refer civil cases to Tusla where parental custody disputes are impacting on the welfare and safety of a child, and Tusla takes into account issues relating to ‘parental alienation’ in their assessment and engagement with the family.

Foster Care

Ceisteanna (232)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

232. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the way in which a person can register interest in hosting and fostering unaccompanied minors arising from the destruction of the Moria refugee camp. [30559/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Thank you for your question on this pressing matter. I have forwarded your question and requested that Tusla provide a direct reply to you.

Tusla is always interested in recruiting new foster carers and are currently running National Fostering Week 2020 12th-18th October. More details of which can be found here:

https://www.tusla.ie/services/alternative-care/foster-care/

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Youth Work Supports

Ceisteanna (233)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

233. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration his plans to increase investment in youth work in order to support young persons who are being disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 crisis. [30561/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The allocations under Budget 2021 are being considered by Government in the context of the annual Estimates process for 2021. As this process is ongoing, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.

While I recognise and acknowledge that youth sector funding saw deep cuts during the preceding decade, in recent years, funding for the provision of youth services has increased on an annual basis. Between 2016 and 2020 the annual current youth funding available to my Department has increased from €51.9m to €61.79m.

It is now more critical than ever that our young people are supported as they experience the social, economic, physical and mental health impacts of the pandemic. In recognition of the vital role played by youth work in providing such support to young people, funding levels have been maintained throughout the current challenging period. This has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.

I am committed to supporting this important sector, which has enormous value both to the many young people involved and from a broader social and economic viewpoint.

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