Written Answers Nos. 131-150
131. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to ensure on campus education is available as soon as possible for children with disabilities and those attending special schools and classes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2069/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with special educational needs can be even greater.
The Deputy will be aware that a number of meetings have taken place recently with primary and special education stakeholders.
All parties are working together towards a phased return for children in special schools. A return to school for those in special classes in primary schools and for children with significant additional needs in mainstream primary classes, is now planned to begin on Thursday 21 January.
The Government had paused plans for a partial reopening last week, recognising that the education partners were expressing concerns in relation to proposed reopening on 11 January. The pause has given me an opportunity to listen to those concerns, to engage intensively with key stakeholders, with Public Health and with disability advocacy groups, in order to address these concerns.
A series of meetings with key stakeholders from the primary school and special school sector have taken place, with all parties sharing an objective to work together so that children with special educational needs, who find it very hard to engage with remote or online learning, receive some face to face education in schools.
We are now working together on a phased return for children in special schools and a return to school for those in special classes in primary schools and children with significant additional needs in mainstream classes beginning on 21 January.
During this phased commencement of in-school services at primary level, we are also working in parallel with post-primary stakeholders to address their concerns; recognising that post-primary schools present different logistical challenges if a partial return is to be possible.
I very much hope that we can work together to set out a pathway for the return of all children at all levels of schooling at the start of February, subject to Government and public health consideration of what constitutes the safe movement of people at that point.
I should also add that updated Guidance on Continuity of Schooling: Supporting Pupils with Special Educational Needs (for mainstream primary and special schools and for post-primary schools) has been made available by my Department.
This revised guidance advises on how schools and teachers can support continuity in the learning of pupils with special educational needs during the school closures associated with COVID-19. The guidance builds on the key messages in a range of guidance materials which were issued to schools and centres for education as they were published. Specific guidance has been published by the Department to support schools in the context of remote teaching and learning in a Covid-19 context:
Guidance on Remote Learning in a COVID-19 Context: September – December 2020 ; https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a0bff-reopening-our-primary-and-special-schools/#additional-guidelines-and-procedures (Department of Education, October 2020)
This has been complemented by the Department of Education Circular Letter 0074/2020 in relation to the establishment of Digital Communication, Teaching and Learning Platforms: https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0074_2020.pdf
This guidance is intended to assist mainstream and special schools as they endeavour to support teaching and learning for pupils with special educational needs through remote teaching approaches. Key themes of the guidance include:
- The role of schools and teachers in engaging with pupils with SEN
- Teachers and school leaders working to support pupils with SEN
- Keeping in touch with parents and guardians
- Keeping pupils with SEN safe in the distance learning environment
- Resources for teachers
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is also communicating directly with schools on the range of supports available to families and schools at this time.
132. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the main policy initiatives undertaken by her Department since 27 June 2020; and her main priorities for 2021. [2081/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy initiatives undertaken by my Department since the formation of this Government and into 2021 are aligned with the commitments within the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future (2020). Specifically the immediate priorities following my appointment related to the reopening of our schools, the provision of a summer programme for those students with special education needs or at risk of disadvantage and also to complete the Leaving Certificate 2020 calculated grades process. Budget 2021 also continues the programme of major reinvestment in our school system with my Department’s allocation being €8.9 billion in 2021, an increase of €410 million or some 5 five per cent on 2020.
Government supported the re-opening of schools through the Roadmap for the Full Return to School agreed by Cabinet at the end of July and the provision of a financial support package of €437 million. Almost one million students, 4,000 schools and 100,000 members of staff returned to school in accordance with their normal schedule.
Government has prioritised the continued operation of our schools in a safe and sustainable manner since their return, and Ireland’s public health authorities have repeatedly confirmed that our schools are safe environments with very low levels of transmission within schools.
In September, 60,000 students received calculated grades results.
In August, I announced a series of changes to assessment arrangements for both Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations for 2021, 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. The adjustments put in place will play to students’ strengths by leaving intact the familiar overall structure of the examinations, while incorporating additional choice.
I am committed to ensuring that the 2021 state examinations as normally as possible, with appropriate contingency built in, in line with prevailing public health advice. An advisory group of key stakeholders, which advised on altered arrangements for the 2020 state examinations, was reconvened on 25 November to perform a similar role in respect of the 2021 examinations.
A significantly expanded Summer Programme 2020 was provided for children with the most complex disabilities. Over 14,000 children participated in the special education summer programmes for children with special educational needs. The programme included a number of strands and options from which parents could choose, involving either in-school, or home-based supports by teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to help to prevent regression among children with SEN. The programme aim supported the child to reintegrate / transition into their planned education setting for the next school year with their peers.
In Summer 2020, 215 DEIS primary schools ran literacy and numeracy summer camps in 2020, with over 7,000 pupils attending and 72 DEIS post-primary schools ran the week long summer programme in 2020 with over 2,200 students attending.
Looking forward to delivering on our commitments in 2021, the additional funding in Budget 2021 provides for a lower pupil-teacher ratios and class sizes reducing the primary staffing schedule by one point, to a historically low level of 25:1.
An additional 1,065 teachers will be hired benefiting our primary, post-primary and special schools and this includes assisting primary schools to retain existing teachers. Provision has also been made for 400 additional teachers for students with special educational needs both in mainstream schools and in special schools. There will also be a further significant increase of almost 1,000 additional special needs assistants. These investments will ensure more than 1,200 new places in special classes.
An additional €15 million will be invested in the school transport system to provide for growing numbers of school children and the requirements of children with special educational needs. Further supports are being provided as part of the DEIS programme to those schools catering for the highest concentrations of educational disadvantage.
This will be supported by additional funding of €2 million in 2021 and €5 million in a full year and will include a 1 point reduction to the Senior Schools Urban Band 1 staffing schedule.
The Government committed to commence a free schoolbooks scheme pilot in September 2020. €1 million has been provided for a new pilot which aims to provide free school books to more than 102 primary schools which are part of the DEIS Programme for the 20/21 school year. The pilot will run for the period of one year and its effectiveness and impact will be monitored and evaluated before any decision is made as regards its possible extension or continuation.
In total in 2020, €160 million has been provided to schools in Minor Works funding, including €30 million which has been brought forward from 2021. Due to the unprecedented Covid-19 situation, exceptional Minor Works Grant funding was also provided to Post Primary schools.
Budget 2021 provides an additional €2m in funding is being provided in 2021 to pay Gaeltacht placement grants for two cohorts of students, due to no placements occurring in 2020 as a result of Covid-19 with a further additional €1m is also being provided for the continued implementation of the Gaeltacht education policy.
I am committed to expanding and enhancing the in-school speech and language pilots to improve the delivery of therapies in schools. Budget 2021 has provided additional funding to expand the School Inclusion Model to two more CHO areas.
Budget 2021 investment includes a capital allocation for new and more energy-efficient school buildings with a €740 million budget for 2021 under Project Ireland 2040.
Additional funding of €3.5million has also been committed to continue investment in the Creative Ireland and Music Generation programmes. This will bring the overall funding in this area to over €9 million in 2021. In November last I announced €50 million in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Grants for primary and post-primary schools to support the embedding of the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning and to provide for the continuity of teaching and learning using digital technology.
I can assure the Deputy that work is progressing on the full range of commitments in the Programme for Government and further delivery or fulfilment of those commitments is a priority in 2021 and over the term of the Government. However, my current clear priority is to work with the education partners to have our schools reopen as soon as possible and to ensure continuity in the education of all students.
133. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education the status of the permanent building for a school (details supplied); if the contract will be awarded as planned and construction commenced in Q1 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2116/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tender process to establish the new Design & Build Contractors Framework commenced on the 4th December 2019. The second stage of the tender process which involves the detailed tender for several schools has commenced and is expected to be concluded in Quarter 1 2021.
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in the first bundle of projects currently being tendered to this new Framework. This is the earliest that the project can be tendered.
It is my Department's intention that the construction of the new 1,000 pupil school will be phased to provide permanent accommodation as early as possible with the second phase of the new school being completed before the start of the 2022/23 school year.
134. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if she will address concerns regarding the reopening of special education classes in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2117/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with special educational needs can be even greater.
The Deputy will be aware that a number of meetings have taken place recently with primary and special education stakeholders.
All parties are working together towards a phased return for children in special schools. A return to school for those in special classes in primary schools and for children with significant additional needs in mainstream primary classes, is now planned to begin on Thursday 21 January.
The Government had paused plans for a partial reopening last week, recognising that the education partners were expressing concerns in relation to proposed reopening on 11 January. The pause has given me an opportunity to listen to those concerns, to engage intensively with key stakeholders, with Public Health and with disability advocacy groups, in order to address these concerns.
A series of meetings with key stakeholders from the primary school and special school sector have taken place, with all parties sharing an objective to work together so that children with special educational needs, who find it very hard to engage with remote or online learning, receive some face to face education in schools.
We are now working together on a phased return for children in special schools and a return to school for those in special classes in primary schools and children with significant additional needs in mainstream classes beginning on 21 January.
During this phased commencement of in-school services at primary level, we are also working in parallel with post-primary stakeholders to address their concerns; recognising that post-primary schools present different logistical challenges if a partial return is to be possible.
I very much hope that we can work together to set out a pathway for the return of all children at all levels of schooling at the start of February, subject to Government and public health consideration of what constitutes the safe movement of people at that point.
I should also add that updated Guidance on Continuity of Schooling: Supporting Pupils with Special Educational Needs (for mainstream primary and special schools and for post-primary schools) has been made available by my Department.
This revised guidance advises on how schools and teachers can support continuity in the learning of pupils with special educational needs during the school closures associated with COVID-19. The guidance builds on the key messages in a range of guidance materials which were issued to schools and centres for education as they were published. Specific guidance has been published by the Department to support schools in the context of remote teaching and learning in a Covid-19 context:
Guidance on Remote Learning in a COVID-19 Context: September – December 2020 ; https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a0bff-reopening-our-primary-and-special-schools/#additional-guidelines-and-procedures (Department of Education, October 2020)
This has been complemented by the Department of Education Circular Letter 0074/2020 in relation to the establishment of Digital Communication, Teaching and Learning Platforms: https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0074_2020.pdf
This guidance is intended to assist mainstream and special schools as they endeavour to support teaching and learning for pupils with special educational needs through remote teaching approaches. Key themes of the guidance include:
- The role of schools and teachers in engaging with pupils with SEN
- Teachers and school leaders working to support pupils with SEN
- Keeping in touch with parents and guardians
- Keeping pupils with SEN safe in the distance learning environment
- Resources for teachers
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is also communicating directly with schools on the range of supports available to families and schools at this time.
135. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if a decision has been made on a section 29 appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2135/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 29 of the Education Act 1998 was amended by the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018. The new appeal provisions came into operation from 12 November 2020 with new appeal procedures also coming into effect from the same date.
As part of the new arrangements for appeals under section 29, if a student has been refused admission due to the school being oversubscribed, and the parent wishes to appeal this decision they must firstly make a written request to the school seeking a review of the board of management’s decision. This request for a review to the board of management is time bound and must be made within 21 calendar days from the date of the decision by the school to refuse admission.
If a student has been refused admission for a reason other than the school being oversubscribed, a parent may, but is not required to, request a review by the board of management within 21 calendar days from the date of the decision by the school to refuse admission. Where admission has been refused for a reason other than the school being oversubscribed and a parent does not choose to seek a review by the board of management they may make an appeal to an independent appeals committee no later than 63 calendar days from the date of the school’s decision to refuse admission.
Where possible, appeals will be examined within 21 calendar days from the date of receipt of the fully completed appeal application by the Section 29 Appeals Administration Unit.
My Department does not comment on individual cases however, the parent/applicant may contact the Section 29 Administration Unit within my Department at section29@education.gov.ie to seek an update on any application made.
All details in relation to appeals under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 are provided on the Department’s website:
https://www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/Appeal-against-Permanent-Exclusion-Suspension-or-Refusal-to-Enrol/Appeals.html
136. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education the measures being taken to support parents who are classified as essential workers following the announcement of the closure of schools in January 2021, for example, situations in which both parents are essential workers and need support; the plans in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2138/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has provided me with the following information in relation to childcare supports available for essential workers.
Between 11th and 31st January, access to early learning and childcare services is restricted to the children of essential workers and vulnerable children. Essential workers are those that work in the list of essential services published on gov.ie, and include those working in education. One parent who is an essential worker confers eligibility on the child to access a service. For the purposes of accessing early learning and childcare services, an essential worker may be working from home.
Early Learning and Childcare and school aged childcare services (ELC/SAC services) can remain open on a restricted basis, to offer services only to the children of essential workers and to vulnerable children only. Childcare providers are asked to ensure that a place is available for all children of essential workers within their service. Employers should facilitate requests for letters from employees for childcare purposes if required.
Childminders (both regulated and unregulated) can operate on the same basis as centre-based provision to provide services to the children of essential workers only and to vulnerable children.
A household of an essential worker can form a bubble with another household for the purpose of providing childcare. However, parents are asked to bear in mind the increased risk from Covid-19 for older people.
My Department has also published a leaflet and FAQs for parents in relation to childcare supports during this period of school closure.
137. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if a decision has been made on a section 29 appeals by persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2147/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 29 of the Education Act 1998 was amended by the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act 2018. The new appeal provisions came into operation from 12 November 2020 with new appeal procedures also coming into effect from the same date.
As part of the new arrangements for appeals under section 29, if a student has been refused admission due to the school being oversubscribed, and the parent wishes to appeal this decision they must firstly make a written request to the school seeking a review of the board of management’s decision. This request for a review to the board of management is time bound and must be made within 21 calendar days from the date of the decision by the school to refuse admission.
If a student has been refused admission for a reason other than the school being oversubscribed, a parent may, but is not required to, request a review by the board of management within 21 calendar days from the date of the decision by the school to refuse admission. Where admission has been refused for a reason other than the school being oversubscribed and a parent does not choose to seek a review by the board of management they may make an appeal to an independent appeals committee no later than 63 calendar days from the date of the school’s decision to refuse admission.
Where possible, appeals will be examined within 21 calendar days from the date of receipt of the fully completed appeal application by the Section 29 Appeals Administration Unit.
My Department does not comment on individual cases however, the parent/applicant may contact the Section 29 Administration Unit within my Department at section29@education.gov.ie to seek an update on any application made.
All details in relation to appeals under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 are provided on the Department’s website:
https://www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/Appeal-against-Permanent-Exclusion-Suspension-or-Refusal-to-Enrol/Appeals.html
138. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if additional supports will be provided for children with special education needs as requested in correspondence from parents (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2148/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with special educational needs can be even greater.
The Deputy will be aware that a number of meetings have taken place recently with primary and special education stakeholders.
All parties are working together towards a phased return for children in special schools. A return to school for those in special classes in primary schools and for children with significant additional needs in mainstream primary classes, is now planned to begin on Thursday 21 January.
The Government had paused plans for a partial reopening last week, recognising that the education partners were expressing concerns in relation to proposed reopening on 11 January. The pause has given me an opportunity to listen to those concerns, to engage intensively with key stakeholders, with Public Health and with disability advocacy groups, in order to address these concerns.
A series of meetings with key stakeholders from the primary school and special school sector have taken place, with all parties sharing an objective to work together so that children with special educational needs, who find it very hard to engage with remote or online learning, receive some face to face education in schools.
We are now working together on a phased return for children in special schools and a return to school for those in special classes in primary schools and children with significant additional needs in mainstream classes beginning on 21 January.
During this phased commencement of in-school services at primary level, we are also working in parallel with post-primary stakeholders to address their concerns; recognising that post-primary schools present different logistical challenges if a partial return is to be possible.
I very much hope that we can work together to set out a pathway for the return of all children at all levels of schooling at the start of February, subject to Government and public health consideration of what constitutes the safe movement of people at that point.
I should also add that updated Guidance on Continuity of Schooling: Supporting Pupils with Special Educational Needs (for mainstream primary and special schools and for post-primary schools) has been made available by my Department.
This revised guidance advises on how schools and teachers can support continuity in the learning of pupils with special educational needs during the school closures associated with COVID-19. The guidance builds on the key messages in a range of guidance materials which were issued to schools and centres for education as they were published. Specific guidance has been published by the Department to support schools in the context of remote teaching and learning in a Covid-19 context:
Guidance on Remote Learning in a COVID-19 Context: September – December 2020 ; https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a0bff-reopening-our-primary-and-special-schools/#additional-guidelines-and-procedures (Department of Education, October 2020)
This has been complemented by the Department of Education Circular Letter 0074/2020 in relation to the establishment of Digital Communication, Teaching and Learning Platforms: https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0074_2020.pdf
This guidance is intended to assist mainstream and special schools as they endeavour to support teaching and learning for pupils with special educational needs through remote teaching approaches. Key themes of the guidance include:
- The role of schools and teachers in engaging with pupils with SEN
- Teachers and school leaders working to support pupils with SEN
- Keeping in touch with parents and guardians
- Keeping pupils with SEN safe in the distance learning environment
- Resources for teachers
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is also communicating directly with schools on the range of supports available to families and schools at this time.
139. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if a deadline will be committed to by which a decision and communication will be made regarding the method by which the leaving certificate examinations will take place in 2021. [2154/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt remains my firm intention to operate the conventional 2021 Leaving Certificate examinations, with appropriate public health measures in place. This view is shared by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), which has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations
Planning for these examinations is underway by the SEC and the Department. It is recognised that a flexible and agile approach is necessary in light of the continuing fast-moving environment linked to Covid-19. This planning work is being assisted by an advisory group of key stakeholders which has recently been reconvened. The advisory group includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the SEC, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Education, including the National Educational Psychological Service.
The advisory group met on a number of occasions before Christmas, with a further meeting planned shortly.The advisory group will consider all of the various issues arising in relation to the holding of the 2021 examinations, including public health considerations and appropriate contingency measures.
My Department is acutely aware of the disruption caused to students as a result of school closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic which led to the decision not to run the state examinations last summer, and the more recent decision of 7 January 2021 to close schools for up to three weeks from 11 January until 1 February.
From Monday 11 January 2021, all students, including Leaving Certificate students, are engaging in a programme of remote learning with their schools.
The public health restrictions which resulted in the closure of schools in March 2020 highlighted the absolute necessity for schools to be agile in providing for continuity of schooling in the future. As a contingency measure against the possibility of partial or full school closures, my Department has already provided a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to mediate the curriculum safely for all pupils/students in a Covid-19 context. These are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool. This documentation has been complemented by Circular 0074/2020 (Communication/Teaching & Learning Platform) which requires all schools to have in place appropriate contingency measures to ensure that they are prepared to continue to support teaching and learning in the event of a partial or full closure of schools arising from Public Health advice.
Last 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, and forms part of the Roadmap for the Full Return to School. On 21 December 2020, the Department published an updated version of the publication, which includes clarifications in relation to a number of subjects.
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 affects students’ engagement with their course of study in different ways, the adjustments put in place play to students’ strengths by leaving intact the familiar overall structure of the examinations, while incorporating additional choice. The adjustments were arrived at through discussions between my Department, the State Examinations Commission (SEC), the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and key stakeholders.
These changes to the national assessment arrangements were 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.
In addition to the above the State Examinations Commission also advised schools in December of flexibility being provided for schools and students in the arrangements for the completion and authentication of coursework and that circular is available at https://www.examinations.ie/misc-doc/BI-EX-12232019.pdf. Further clarifications in this regard, on foot of the most recent school closure, will shortly be issued by the SEC.
The SEC has valuable learning from the experience of running the 2020 November state examinations, notwithstanding that the numbers taking these examinations were significantly lower than the number due to sit examinations in 2021. The measures relating to COVID-19 that were put in place for the November examinations will be considered as part of the planning for examinations in 2021.
Other documents published by my Department to support the return to school include ‘Guidance for Practical Subjects in Post-Primary Schools and Centres for Education’ and ‘Returning to school: Guidance on learning and school programmes for post primary school leaders and teachers’. These documents provide guidance for teachers and schools that is specific to each practical subject area, so that students can be facilitated to actively engage with their learning. All documentation published is available on www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
140. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether sufficient measures are in place to ensure that workers in the private sector working in essential service jobs can self-isolate if required to do so without significant loss of earnings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1987/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 (No. 1), the Government, having regard to the manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of Covid-19, extended the Social Welfare Acts to provide for entitlement to illness benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with, or are a probable source of infection with Covid-19.
The personal rate of payment of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of COVID-19 is €350, which is higher than the normal maximum personal rate of Illness Benefit. Increases may also be made in respect of qualified adults and children.
The measures were designed to ensure that where a registered medical practitioner or a HSE medical officer diagnoses a person with COVID-19 or identifies him or her as a probable source of infection of COVID-19, the person concerned can comply with medical advice to isolate, while having their income protected. This is essential to limit and slow down the spread of the virus, to keep the number of people affected to a minimum, and to reduce a peak of cases which would cause extreme pressure on the health system.
The enhanced rate of Illness Benefit was brought in as a short-term public health measure and is not a long-term income support payment. It is payable for 2 weeks where a person is isolating as a probable source of infection of Covid-19 and for up to 10 weeks where a person has been diagnosed with Covid-19. Appropriate certification is required to support any claim for payment. There are no waiting days in respect of the enhanced illness benefit payment. Only a single PRSI contribution from employment in the previous 4 weeks is required, making the payment very accessible for all employees.
Where a medical practitioner advises a person to remain away from work because an underlying medical condition means they are unable to work safely, then the standard Illness Benefit payment may be made, subject to the conditions of the scheme being satisfied.
The purpose of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of COVID-19 is to encourage people to not go to work due to financial constraint when they should be in isolation or restricting their movements.
If people have additional expenses related to their illness or they are struggling financially, they can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is a means-tested payment.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
141. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered reinstating fortnightly payment of some social welfare payments in view of the reintroduction of level 5 restrictions. [1951/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if fortnightly collection of social welfare payments will resume at post offices under current level 5 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2007/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 145 together.
Fortnightly payments were introduced by my Department to assist with social distancing measures in the early period of the current pandemic.
Having listened carefully to the concerns expressed by groups, such as St Vincent De Paul, around the difficulties presented to people, including our most vulnerable, in trying to manage money on a fortnightly basis, I announced that all weekly social welfare payments which had been moved to a fortnightly schedule from the end of March 2020 would be fully restored to being paid weekly with effect from Monday, 2nd November 2020.
It is worth noting now that since the onset of the pandemic, there has been improved public knowledge of how to socially distance and of the need to wear face masks. All post offices have been equipped with fixed sanitiser units so that customers can sanitise their hands both before and after using the signing pen. Post offices also have clearly marked signs to assist with social distancing.
I announced recently that throughout the period of the Level 5 restrictions. payments will continue to be paid weekly, but I also recognise that some customers may prefer to collect their payment less frequently and the arrangements we have in place reflect that.
For instance, customers who are receiving a State Pension or Carer’s Allowance from the Department have up to 90 days to collect their payment after it has issued to their nominated Post Office. And those receiving payments such as Jobseekers Benefit and One Parent Family Payment have up to 20 days to collect their payment at their Post Office.
This measure allows customers to collect payments at a time of their choosing and provides flexibility to customers while allowing for greater adherence to social distancing guidelines.
The press statement announcing this decision can be seen at https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b1d08-options-in-place-for-social-welfare-customers-during-level-5-restrictions/
I should mention also that arrangements to make payments directly into a current account (e.g. accounts held with An Post, a bank or a credit union) by electronic fund transfer (EFT), are accommodated at the request of a customer to the Department. And I should mention finally that the rules around nominating agents to collect social welfare payments at post offices have also been changed to allow for more agent collections, whereby customers can nominate a trusted individual to collect a payment on their behalf.
142. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in respect of their application for an invalidity benefit; and when they can expect a decision on their case. [1962/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 2 November 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 3 December 2020.
The case was referred on 17 December 2020 to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. Hearings are currently being conducted online or by telephone. Due to the current level of Covid-19 restrictions in-person oral appeal hearings have been suspended.
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.
143. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if any employees on community employment schemes are considered essential workers; if so, the relevant schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1981/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Employment (CE) Scheme is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis.
CE sponsoring authorities are the legal employers of their supervisors, assistant supervisors and participants. As a consequence, is the responsibility of CE sponsoring authorities to ensure adherence to national public health guidelines during the ongoing COVID pandemic when determining the essential services that can continue to be delivered.
Department officials have reminded CE sponsoring authorities, that as employers and service providers, they need to fully comply and adhere to the public health guidelines relating to the ongoing Covid-19 emergency.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 emergency in March 2020, the subsequent level-5 restrictions introduced in October, 2020 and more recently, the return to level 5 restrictions announced by Government in December, 2020, my Department has continued to provide the necessary funding for CE schemes while introducing other contingency measures to support CE schemes and participants.
Department officials have continued to liaise with CE sponsoring authorities throughout the ongoing Covid-19 emergency to arrange for CE participants who were due to finish on their respective CE schemes, to have their contracts extended while level-5 restrictions have been in place, unless a CE participant is taking up employment or reaches the State Pension age.
It should be noted that where possible in compliance with public health guidelines, a significant number of CE schemes continue to operate throughout the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. In particular, those engaged in the provision of essential services within their communities including meals on wheels and home caring services continue to provide these services.
Department officials will continue to liaise with and support CE sponsoring authorities throughout the latest level-5 restrictions.
144. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for a PPS number will be processed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2006/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has allocated a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to the individual referred to by the Deputy. A letter issued to the person concerned on 8th January 2021 with details of the PPSN.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
146. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the pandemic unemployment payment. [2013/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeships are divided into on and off the job phases. Apprentices who are in a phase of off-the-job training will continue to receive their training allowance from the State. There will be no loss of income for these apprentices.
Apprentices who were in the on-the-job phase with their employer and who have subsequently lost their employment as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic would be eligible to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment provided that they satisfy the conditions of the statutory scheme. The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is payable to people between the ages of 18 and 66 which is consistent with other social protection schemes payable to people of working age who have lost their employment.
A person under 18 years of age who has lost their employment and is living in the family home is treated as a dependent in relation to any social welfare payment payable to a parent.
A person of any age who is experiencing financial hardship may access assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme including Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments. Information on the supports available under this scheme is available at www.gov.ie.
It is also important to note that an employer who is availing of the Employer Wage Subsidy Scheme can claim the subsidy in respect of all PAYE workers on their payroll including people aged under 18.
I hope that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
147. 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. [2020/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe customer concerned is due arrears from 24/04/20 to 20/08/20. The amount due in PUP arrears to the customer concerned is €4774.00. The customer concerned should receive the payment within the next two weeks.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
148. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the main policy initiatives undertaken by her Department since 27 June 2020; and her main priorities for 2021. [2092/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy specific priorities in 2021 include the finalisation and implementation of a new Pathways to Work Strategy which will increase the supports available to those who are unemployed, particularly those who are long-term unemployed, the further delivery of the pension commitments as outlined in the Programme for Government and the Roadmap for Pensions Reform; and the ongoing implementation of commitments in the Roadmap for Social Inclusion. I also want to ensure that our social welfare system works for people with disabilities and carers by ensuring that access to employment services are tailored to their needs.
Regarding achievements since I became Minister, the estimate for the Department of Social Protection in 2021 is €25.1 billion. This is more than €4 billion larger than the Department's Budget Day allocation for 2020. Much of that additional spending will be required to meet the ongoing costs of the pandemic unemployment payment and other pandemic-related supports.
In 2020, my Department issued some 12 million payments to more than 800,000 people under the pandemic unemployment payment - the equivalent of processing seven years’ worth of jobseeker applications in eight months. The enormous efforts involved by the staff of the Department, undertaken alongside the continuation of other critical work, ensured that vital income support was made available at a time of crisis to those employees and self-employed who were affected by the pandemic.
However, I am pleased, even in these difficult times, to have also been able to secure almost €300 million for a series of targeted measures . For example, the Carer's Support Grant has increased by €150 to €1850 - its highest ever rate. An increase of €5 in the Living Alone Allowance was also included in the Budget. This will benefit over 221,700 pensioners and people with disabilities.
The Social Welfare Act 2020 also provided for maintaining the state pension age at 66 years of age as committed in the Programme for Government. Also, In line with the Programme for Government, I have established an independent Pensions Commission to examine the range of issues associated with the State Pension system.
149. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive a PPS number. [2152/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has allocated a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to the individual referred to by the Deputy. A letter issued on 5th January 2021 with details of his PPSN.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
150. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if the review of the gateway scheme has been completed and published; and if the link to the publication will be provided. [2153/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gateway Initiative was introduced in 2013 at a time of high unemployment in Ireland, with a target of 3,000 working opportunities.
The aim of the Gateway scheme was to improve the employability and work readiness of participants by providing them with the opportunities to put their work skills into practice and to learn new skills to enable their progression to work, further education or other development opportunities. Gateway provided work placements in Local Authorities for a period of 22 months for those who were unemployed for more than two years.
Given the capacity of other employment schemes such as Community Employment (CE), Tús and the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), as well as the continuing reduction in the numbers who were unemployed, recruitment of participants to Gateway closed in December 2018. During its lifetime the initiative supported 2,981 individuals.
An evaluation of the Gateway programme is currently in progress and I expect to receive the final report in the coming period.
The priority for my Department is to ensure that all employment and activation programmes deliver the best outcomes for participants. The Government is very mindful of the large number of work programme places involved in service delivery and other valuable services to individuals and communities across Ireland.
