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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 16 Dec 2020

Written Answers Nos. 203-222

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (203)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

203. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of a new secondary school at the Curragh, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44098/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is currently finalising a site identification & deliverability exercise in order to technically appraise suitable shortlisted sites within the relevant school planning areas, for the post primary school to which you refer. This exercise is nearing completion, in line with our comprehensive site selection criteria, technical consideration and discussion with Kildare County Council.

Preliminary discussions have also commenced with landowners with a view to establishing availability and market expectations on selected lands, before a preferred choice can be fully assessed. 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 (and site selection in particular) is being given due consideration and attention.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (204)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

204. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the provision of a secondary school at St. Paul's, Monasterevin, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44099/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The major school building project to provide new secondary school accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy commenced on site in late October 2020 and the contract duration is approximately 20 months.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (205)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

205. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of a new secondary school at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44100/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 been received by my Department. A meeting was convened last month between officials from my Department, the Board of Management and its Design Team to discuss the report and further information is to be provided by the Design Team. Once received and reviewed, my Department will be in contact with the school and its Design Team with regard to the further progression of the project.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (206)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

206. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of a primary school extension at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44101/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A major extension/ refurbishment project for the school referred to by the Deputy has recently been authorized by my Department to proceed to tender for the appointment of a Building Contractor. The closing date for the completed tender returns is mid-December.

Subject to no significant issues arise during the tender process my Department expects that the project will progress to site in the second quarter of 2021 with a contract duration of approximately 26 months.

Social Welfare Benefits

Ceisteanna (207)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

207. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a Christmas bonus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44094/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following a review, an entitlement to a Christmas Bonus payment has been established for the person concerned as a result of the combined period he spent in receipt of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Jobseeker’s Benefit payments.

The person concerned qualifies for a bonus of 100% of his normal weekly payment of €529.70. This payment will issue to the person concerned in the coming week.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Free Travel Scheme

Ceisteanna (208)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

208. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the free travel scheme to allow persons with a disability to travel by taxi given the lack of access to public transport, specifically wheelchair-accessible public transport in rural areas; the estimated cost of extending the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43638/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. There are currently approximately 981,000 customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2020 is €95 million.

The objective of the free travel scheme is to ensure that older people and people with disabilities remain active within their community. The Free Travel Scheme was never intended as a targeted support for people with severe mobility issues. The Free Travel Scheme was also never intended to provide additional transport options to travel pass holders but to allow them access to existing services available from transport providers who participate in the scheme.

One of the key aspects of the free travel scheme is that the service provided is via open, publicly available services. Wheelchair accessible taxis are private hire vehicles and any decision to allow free travel pass holders to use their free travel passes on a category of private hire vehicles would lead to similar requests from other groups that provide private hire vehicles. It would lead to a fundamental change to the nature of the Free Travel Scheme and would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.

It is not possible to provide an estimate of the possible cost of extending the free travel scheme to allow persons with a disability to travel by taxi as the cost would be determined by such factors as the number of such journeys undertaken by each free travel pass holder, the length of each journey and also if the journey is undertaken with a companion/companions. However, it would be expected that the increased cost to the free travel scheme would be very significant and would also have to include increased administrative costs to deal with the fundamental adjustment in the administration of any such complex scheme.

My Department does provide an annual funding contribution of €1.5 million from the Free Travel budget provision towards the Transport for Ireland Local Links Programme, which is administered by the National Transport Authority under the auspices of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Programme provides services to people whose travel needs are not met by existing bus or train services. The Programme aims to enhance and sustain nationwide accessibility through community based participation, particularly for those at risk of social exclusion. Services provided include door to door services on certain routes.

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme supports may be available to assist with necessary travel costs. The support can either be on a once-off basis as an exceptional needs payment or as a supplement where there is an ongoing need. There is no automatic entitlement to such payments. Every decision is based on consideration of the circumstances of the case, taking account of the nature and extent of the need and of the resources of the person concerned. At the end of 2019, 141 persons were in receipt of a Travel Supplement. In addition, over 17,200 exceptional needs payments were made in 2019 to assist with travel costs, at a cost of almost €1.2 million.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (209)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

209. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to an anomaly arising whereby those on the pandemic unemployment payment were advised to move onto a jobseeker’s payment in order that they could qualify for a payment in respect of their children, for example, and who now do not have the same flexibility to earn and retain the pandemic unemployment payment as those on the payment have; if the anomaly will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43639/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The COVID 19 pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) was introduced as an emergency measure to meet the surge in unemployment which resulted from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. In order to ensure that the scheme was accessible for the unprecedented number of applicants, flat payment rates were introduced. In certain circumstances, people with dependents were advised to apply for a jobseekers payment as they would be financially better off.

Flexibility is already provided under the Jobseeker's Benefit scheme to allow a person to take up limited levels of employment.

In the case of a self-employed person on Jobseeker's Benefit who has an underlying entitlement to PUP, they are also eligible for the COVID-19 Part Time Job Incentive for the self-employed. Under this scheme, a person who transitions from PUP or a jobseekers payment can return to self-employment for up to 24 hours per week. There is no limit to the amount a person can earn. There are 2 rates of weekly payment, a personal rate of €128.60 and a rate of €209.70 is payable if the recipient was paid an increase for a qualified adult on their jobseeker’s claim

The jobseekers schemes are statutory schemes and have different rules and conditions regarding employment. If the Deputy has a particular case, the details should be provided to my office so that the options available to the individual to take up employment can be assessed.

I trust that that information is helpful to the Deputy.

State Pension (Contributory)

Ceisteanna (210)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

210. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a request for further backdating of a State pension (contributory) award in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43660/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The person concerned reached pension age on 18 February 2019. They applied for State Pension (contributory) on 9 September 2020.

In line with social welfare legislation, the person was awarded State pension (contributory) at 94.2% of the maximum weekly rate, backdated to 10 March 2020, six months from the date of their application. They were notified in writing of this decision on 28 September 2020 and arrears due were paid.

Backdating of a late claim beyond six months may be considered in circumstances where the delay in making a claim arose either due to incorrect information provided by an officer of my Department or due to the person being so incapacitated that they were unable to make a claim, or appoint a person to act on their behalf.

The person concerned has submitted documentary evidence of ill health, which has been referred to the Chief Medical Officer for consideration as to whether further backdating is recommended. On receipt of the Chief Medical Officer’s report, the person’s State pension (contributory) claim can be reviewed and they will be notified in writing of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Carer's Allowance

Ceisteanna (211)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

211. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a review of a decision on a carer’s allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43663/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 29 September 2020.

It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have such disability that they require full-time care and attention. The evidence submitted with the application was examined, and the Deciding Officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.

The person concerned was notified on 5 November 2020 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned requested a review on 11 November 2020 and a request for appeal was also notified to my Department on 1 December 2020. Additional medical evidence was received on 3 December 2020.

The additional medical evidence has been examined by a Deciding Officer and CA has been awarded to the person concerned. The first payment will issue to her nominated bank account on 17 December 2020. Arrears due from 01 Oct 2020 to 16 Dec 2020 will also issue.

The person concerned was notified on 11 December 2020 of this outcome and of her right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Disability Allowance

Ceisteanna (212)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

212. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a review of a decision on a disability allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43664/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Based on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, her application for disability allowance (DA) was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied. The person in question was notified in writing of this decision on 3 November 2020.

Following the submission of further medical evidence by the person concerned, their case has been reviewed and they have been awarded DA with effect from 7 October 2020. The first payment will be made on 16 December 2020.

Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Illness Benefit

Ceisteanna (213)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

213. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the double Christmas payment bonus to recipients of illness benefit (details supplied). [43665/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Christmas Bonus is paid to social welfare recipients such as pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, lone parents and the long-term unemployed in recognition of their long-term financial dependence on their social welfare payment for all or most of their income.

In recognition of the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on employment levels and the sudden financial impact on individuals, the Bonus is, on a once-off basis only, being paid this year to those in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for a period four months or more and who are in payment on the date the Bonus is paid. It will also be paid to people on equivalent jobseeker payments who have been in receipt of these payments for four months or more.

The reason Illness Benefit is not a qualifying payment for the Christmas Bonus is that, in the majority of cases, Illness Benefit is a short-term payment for those who are certified by their GP as having to take time out from their employment due to illness.

People who are permanently incapable of work may be eligible for Invalidity Pension, subject to satisfying the relevant medical and social insurance contribution criteria. Those who are substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment arising from a medical condition may be eligible for the means-tested Disability Allowance, subject to the relevant medical criteria.

Recipients of both Invalidity Pension and Disability Allowance are eligible for the Christmas Bonus, and may also be eligible for other benefits including Fuel Allowance and the Household Benefits Package.

Any change to the current eligibility criteria for the Christmas Bonus payment would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (214)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

214. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when pandemic unemployment payment arrears will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43677/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The person concerned has had their application for Pandemic Unemployment Payment reviewed and is due one week arrears for the period 3rd April to 9th April 2020 in the sum of €350.00. The payment has been approved and will be paid to the persons nominated bank account within the next week.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (215)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

215. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when pandemic unemployment payment arrears will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43698/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The person concerned has had their application for Pandemic Unemployment Payment reviewed and is due two weeks arrears for the period 27th March to the 9th April 2020 which will total €700.00. The payment has been approved and will be paid to the persons nominated bank account within the next week.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Personal Public Service Numbers

Ceisteanna (216)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

216. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for PPS numbers will be processed for persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43712/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that my Department has allocated a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to the individual referred to by the Deputy and a letter issued to the person concerned on 15th December 2020 with details of her PPSN. Officials from the Department have contacted the applicant for the requisite details so that her applications for PPSNs for her two children can also be processed.

Upon receipt of outstanding information, these applications will be processed without delay.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Invalidity Pension

Ceisteanna (217)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

217. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43714/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The person concerned has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 22 October 2020. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on the 17 December 2020. Any arrears due from the 22 October 2020 to 16 December 2020 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue in due course. The person concerned was notified of this decision on the 11 December 2020.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Illness Benefit

Ceisteanna (218)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

218. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of illness benefit overpayments to date in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43736/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Over-payments of social welfare assistance and benefit payments arise as a consequence of decisions made under the relevant sections of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 (as amended).

To the end of November 2020, some 15,700 cases of Illness Benefit over-payments have been raised to a value of €5.7 million.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Community Employment Schemes

Ceisteanna (219)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

219. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the criteria used to determine if a community employment project can have an increased materials grant per participant and per project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43738/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Community Employment (CE) supports projects that provide work experience for long term unemployed persons to assist them entering the open labour market on exit from the CE scheme, while at the same time providing valuable community services. These can be in the areas such as social care, childcare services, heritage, arts, culture, tourism, sport and the environment. The programme is delivered through independent CE sponsoring authorities that operate in the community and voluntary sector.

CE sponsoring authorities receive annual contracts from my Department which fund the employment of both CE participants and CE supervisors. Funding is also provided towards training and material costs. The materials grant is a contribution towards the running costs of the scheme and covers consumable services and materials necessary for the effective operation of the CE project including such items as Employers and Public Liability Insurances, tools, stationery, audit fees, bank charges (excluding bank interest), protective clothing and the hiring of equipment.

Materials funding is provided to CE sponsoring authorities in accordance with their requirements, where necessary. The Department provided an additional materials funding of €2 million in Budget 2019 and this additional provision was allocated to the projects that identified a requirement for additional materials funding.

If a CE sponsoring authority is seeking further funding under the materials grant, they should make an application through the Department's Community Development Officer assigned to them.

If the Deputy’s question relates to a particular CE sponsoring authority he can forward the related details to my officials, who will follow up with the relevant area.

Community Employment Schemes

Ceisteanna (220)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

220. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the community employment projects in Dublin 6W, Dublin 8, Dublin 10, Dublin 12 and Dublin 20, respectively, in tabular form; the number of supervisors and participants per project; the rate of materials grant they are on; and the reason they are not on the higher grant if that is the case in each one. [43739/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Community Employment (CE) materials grant is a contribution towards the running costs of the scheme and covers consumable services and materials necessary for the effective operation of the CE project. Materials funding is provided to CE sponsoring authorities in accordance with their requirements, where necessary and is paid on agreed and receipted expenditure only.

The following are details of the Community Employment projects in Dublin 6W, 8, 10, 12 and 20 including the approved number of Supervisors, Assistant Supervisors and participants in each project.

ORGANISATION NAME

LOCATION

APPROVED SUPERVISORS

APPROVED ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS

APPROVED PARTICIPANTS

TOTAL APPROVED

CARA CHESHIRE HOME SES SCHEME

DUBLIN 20

1

0

18

19

WEST DUBLIN DISABILITY SERVICES CO

DUBLIN 20

1

0

15

16

CASADH CO LTD BY GUARANTEE

DUBLIN 12

6

0

53

59

TURAS TRAINING CO LTD

DUBLIN 12

6

0

50

56

THE DAISY CHAIN COMMUNITY CRECHE CO

DUBLIN 12

1

0

25

26

ENERGY ACTION CO LTD BY GU

DUBLIN 12

1

1

38

40

DRIMNAGH CASTLE RESTORATION PROJECT

DUBLIN 12

1

0

18

19

DRIMNAGH DEVELOPMENT GRP

DUBLIN 12

1

0

26

27

LIBERTIES RECYCLING TRAINING & DECD

DUBLIN 12

5

0

46

51

LOURDES CELTIC

DUBLIN 12

1

1

35

37

ADDICTION RESPONSE CRUMLIN LTD

DUBLIN 12

4

5

92

101

THE MATT TALBOT COMMUNITY TRUST

DUBLIN 10

2

0

18

20

BALLYFERMOT STAR CO LTD BY

DUBLIN 10

3

1

42

46

BLUEBELL WOMENS GRP

DUBLIN 10

1

1

30

32

MARKIEWICZ COMMUNITY CENTRE CLG

DUBLIN 10

1

1

30

32

ORCHARD COMMUNITY DEV CENTRE

DUBLIN 10

1

0

21

22

DTEN COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT PROJECT

DUBLIN 10

1

0

22

23

LONGMEADOWS BALLYFERMOT PITCH & PUT

DUBLIN 10

1

0

21

22

GURTEEN YOUTH COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT

DUBLIN 10

1

0

21

22

CHILDCARE COMMUNITY BUSINESS CO

DUBLIN 10

1

0

18

19

BALLYFERMOT RESOURCE CENTRE PROJECT

DUBLIN 10

1

0

30

31

DOLPHIN HSE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

DUBLIN 8

1

1

29

31

SOPHIA HOUSING ASSOC CO

DUBLIN 8

2

1

65

68

ST MACHLS PRSH CMMNTY EMPL SCHEME

Dulbin 8

1

1

33

35

FOUNTAIN RESOURCE GRP CO LTD

DUBLIN 8

2

2

53

57

OBLATE COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT CO

DUBLIN 8

1

1

28

30

CITY OF DUBLIN EDUCATION & TRAINING

DUBLIN 8

1

1

21

23

SICCDA

DUBLIN 8

1

0

20

21

MERCY FAMILY CENTRE

DUBLIN 8

1

0

23

24

AGE ACTION IRL LTD

DUBLIN 8

1

1

44

46

IRISH ATHLETIC BOXING ASSOC

DUBLIN 8

1

0

18

19

RIALTO DEVELOPMENT ASSOC LTD

DUBLIN 8

1

1

24

26

ST JOHN OF GOD BROS

DUBLIN 8

2

0

53

55

RADE CO LTD BY GUARANTEE

DUBLIN 8

3

0

21

24

COMMUNITY LYNKS PROJECT LTD

DUBLIN 8

4

2

50

56

DOVE COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT PROJECT

DUBLIN 8

1

0

21

22

FATIMA COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT PROJECT

DUBLIN 8

2

0

59

61

THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CEP CO

DUBLIN 6W

1

0

26

27

The materials grant is calculated on a number of factors, one of which is the ability of a project to raise its own income. On the basis this information is considered to be business sensitive and therefore my Department is not in a position to release this data.

If a CE sponsoring authority is seeking further funding under the materials grant, they should make an application through the Department's Community Development Officer assigned to them.

If the Deputy’s question relates to a particular CE sponsoring authority he can forward the related details to my officials, who will follow up with the relevant area.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Social Welfare Benefits

Ceisteanna (221)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

221. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined. [43769/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following a review and having considered the exceptional circumstances prevailing this year, an entitlement to a Christmas Bonus payment has been established for the person concerned. The person concerned is being awarded a bonus of 100% of his normal Supplementary Welfare Allowance basic payment of €479.70 which will issue later this week.

Fuel Allowance is paid to recipients of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance basic payment after an accumulation of 455 days/15 months in receipt of this income support payment. I am advised that the person concerned does not meet the eligibility criteria as his time spent on Jobseeker’s Benefit does not count in establishing an entitlement.

I trust this clarifies the matter

Seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge

Ceisteanna (222)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

222. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cad iad na pleananna atá ag a Roinn chun seirbhísí faoina riar a chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge, chun cur le líon na seirbhísí atá ar fáil trí Ghaeilge faoina riar, agus chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn, le linn 2021. [43888/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tá an Roinn tiomanta i gcónaí dár ndualgais faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla a chomhlíonadh agus do sheirbhísí ardchaighdeáin a chur ar fáil dá custaiméirí i nGaeilge nó i mBéarla.

Is é is cuspóir le Scéim Teanga reatha na Roinne 2019-2022 ná cur leis an dul chun cinn a baineadh amach thar na blianta agus faireachán a dhéanamh ar leibhéal an éilimh ar sheirbhísí trí Ghaeilge ionas gur féidir linn freastal ar an éileamh seo ar bhealach beartaithe comhchuí praiticiúil.

Leagtar amach sa Scéim an chaoi a bhfeabhsófar ár seirbhísí, lena n-áireofar:

- foirmeacha agus leabhráin eolais a bheith ar fáil i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla araon

- ábhar a bheith ar fáil i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla ar www.gov.ie/dsp

- baill foirne a fhorbairt agus a oiliúint chun éascaíocht a dhéanamh ar sholáthar na seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge

- feabhas a chur ar leibhéal na seirbhíse "duine le duine" trí Ghaeilge.

I láithreán gréasáin na Roinne www.gov.ie/dsp tá toirt mhór ábhair i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla araon. Áirítear leis seo eolas ar raon na scéimeanna agus na seirbhísí de chuid na Roinne. Tá foirmeacha iarratais agus treoirnótaí ar fáil lena n-íoslódáil i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla araon. Thairis sin, tá na seirbhísí ar fad agus an t-eolas ar fad laistigh de na láithreáin www.MyGovid.ie, www.MyWelfare.ie agus www.WelfarePartners.ie ar fáil dár gcustaiméirí i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla araon. Tá sínithe ríomhphoist na mball foirne i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla araon.

Cuirtear seirbhís ghutháin trí Ghaeilge, chomh maith le seirbhís "aghaidh ar aghaidh" trí Ghaeilge, ar fáil faoi láthair i mórán de Lárionaid Intreo na Roinne agus Oifigí Craoibhe na Roinne. Sna hoifigí seo, más rud é nach bhfuil ball foirne a bhfuil Gaeilge aige nó aici ar fáil tráth ghlao gutháin an chustaiméara nó tráth chuairt an chustaiméara ar an oifig, tairgfear coinne don chustaiméir chun na seirbhísí seo a chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge.

Leanfaidh an Roinn den fhoireann a spreagadh agus a éascú le leas a bhaint as raon na dtacaí agus go háirithe le freastal ar chúrsaí oiliúna chun a gcuid Gaeilge a fheabhsú.

(i mBéarla) The Department remains committed to fulfilling our obligations under the Official Languages Act and to providing high-quality services to its customers in either Irish or English .

The objective of the Department’s current Irish Language Scheme 2019-2022 is to build on progress achieved over the years and to monitor the level of demand for services through Irish so that we can meet this demand in a planned, coherent and practical manner.

The Scheme sets out how our services will be improved including to:

- have forms and information booklets available in both Irish & English

- have material available in Irish and English on www.gov.ie/dsp

- develop and train staff to facilitate the provision of services through Irish

- improve the level of one-to-one service through Irish.

The Department’s website www.gov.ie/dsp contains a large volume of material in both Irish and English. This includes information on the Department’s range of schemes and services. Application forms and guidance notes are available for download in both Irish and English. In addition, all services and information within www.MyGovid.ie, www.MyWelfare.ie and www.WelfarePartners.ie are available to our customers in both Irish and English. Email signatures of staff are in both Irish and English.

Many of the Department’s Intreo Centres and Branch Offices currently provide a telephone as well as face-to-face service through Irish. In these offices, where an Irish speaking member of staff is not available at the time of the customers’ phone call or visit to the office, an appointment will be offered to the customer for the provision of these services through Irish.

The Department will continue to encourage and facilitate staff to avail of the range of supports and, in particular, to attend training courses to enhance their level of Irish.

Barr
Roinn