Written Answers Nos. 554-576
554. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to address issues relating to carers and specifically the recommendations made by the Citizens' Assembly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26325/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the crucial role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy.
The main income supports provided by my Department include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and the Carer's Support Grant. Over 135,000 carers benefit from regular income supports and spending on these payments in 2021 is expected to be in the region of €1.5 billion. The value of income transfers to family carers has increased by over 50% since 2015.
I have noted the recommendations made by the Citizens’ Assembly in relation to carers and, in particular, those pertinent to my Department regarding changes to the Carer’s Allowance means test and the 18.5 hour ceiling, respite and pension provision for family carers.
Carer's Allowance acts as an income support for those who cannot earn adequate income in the open labour market due to their caring responsibilities. This allowance is part of the system of social assistance supports that provide payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.
The two principal conditions for receipt of Carer’s Allowance are that full time care and attention is required and is being provided and that the means test which applies is satisfied.
The means test for Carer's Allowance is one of the most generous in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse’s earnings. The amount of weekly earnings disregarded is €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. By comparison, the income disregard applied to Disability Allowance is €120 per week. As per Budget 2021 this will increase to €140 per week from June 2021. For Jobseeker's Allowance, it is €20 per day up to a maximum of €60, and the balance is assessed at 60%. For Jobseeker's Transitional Payment, the weekly income disregard is €165 with 50% of the balance assessed as means.
Changes to schemes are considered in an overall budgetary and policy context and from an evidence-based perspective.
Increases to the disregard would result in the provision of additional payments to people who may have significant sources of income while reducing the scope to provide income supports to lower income households. Those existing carers whose sole income is the Carer’s Allowance would not benefit. An increase in the disregard would benefit just 3% of carers and benefit better-off families.
A primary qualifying condition for the Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit payments is that the applicant provides full-time care and attention to a person in need of such care. The person being cared for must be so incapacitated as to require full-time care and attention and be likely to require this full-time care and attention for at least 12 months. However, in order to support a carer’s continued attachment to the workforce and broader social inclusion, carers may engage in some limited employment, education or training, while still being regarded as being in a position to provide full-time care. The maximum period in which a person may engage in employment, education and training is 18.5 hours per week and during this time, adequate provision must be made for the care of the relevant person.
As part of Budget 2020, the number of hours per week that carers could engage in employment, education or training was increased from 15 to 18.5 hours per week. This measure was prioritised in response to carers and carer representative groups who found the previous number of 15 hours to be too restrictive, not only for work but for education and training purposes. I consider the limit of 18.5 hours to represent a reasonable balance between meeting the care recipient's requirement for full-time care and the carer's need to maintain contact with the workforce.
The primary responsibility for providing respite care facilities and services rests with the Health Service Executive. In recognition of the vital role that carers provide in our society, I increased the Carer’s Support Grant by €150 as part of Budget 2021, to take effect this June. Spending on the Carer’s Support Grant is estimated to cost over €265 million in 2021. This is a payment for carers throughout the State, not just to people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, and is available to other carers who may not be dependent on State income supports. The new rate of €1,850 is the highest ever rate at which it will have been paid since its introduction.
In relation to pension provision, the Deputy will be aware that the Government has approved the establishment of a Commission on Pensions. The Commission’s Terms of Reference includes consideration of how people who have provided long-term care for incapacitated dependents can be accommodated within the State pension system. The Commission has been asked to submit a report on its work, findings, options and recommendations. I look forward to receiving this report by 30 June 2021. The Government intends to take action having regard to the recommendations of the Commission within six months of its report.
Currently, the State pension system gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role, through the award of credits and either the Homemaker’s Scheme (as part of the Yearly Average rate calculation method) or HomeCaring Periods (as part of the Interim TCA rate calculation method).
Furthermore those with few or no PRSI contributions paid over the years may alternatively qualify for the State Pension (Non-Contributory), which is a means-tested pension, financed by the Exchequer, and paid at up to 95% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (Contributory). The most advantageous payment for a pensioner will depend upon their individual circumstances.
Finally, I can assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the key role that family carers play in our society and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review. However, any improvements or additions to these supports can only be considered in an overall budgetary context and in the light of available financial resources.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
555. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) regarding social protection payments will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26327/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCustomers are entitled to apply for a Jobseekers' payment while on reduced hours. However, entitlement to a Jobseekers' payment is subject to the normal qualifying conditions as set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, including Section 62.
Entitlement to a casual/part-time Jobseeker's or Short-Time Work Support payment for any day depends, among other things, on whether or not a person received remuneration from their employer for that day. If a person is paid by their employer for any days, including those where they may not have actually undertaken work, they are not considered days of unemployment. In effect, where a person was paid, including with the support of the TWSS scheme which was in operation between March and September 2020, for any day within this period, then they cannot also receive a Jobseeker’s payment for that day.
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme replaced the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme from 1st September 2020. Subject to satisfying the relevant eligibility criteria, employees may claim casual (i.e. part-time) jobseeker payments or Short-Time Work Support payments for days of unemployment, even where their employer is claiming the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme for days of employment.
Each case is examined individually on the basis of the information supplied by the employer to determine entitlement.
As with all the schemes administered by my Department, if a customer is not satisfied with a Deciding Officer's decision, they have the right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
556. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the programme for Government commitment to continue to review and expand the roll-out of the new hot school meals initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25063/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food to some 1,506 schools and organisations benefitting 230,000 children. The objective of the programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children who are unable, due to lack of good quality food, to take full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
As part of Budget 2019, funding was provided for a pilot scheme from September 2019, providing hot school meals in primary schools at a cost of €1m for 2019 and €2.5m in 2020. The pilot involved 37 schools benefitting 6,744 students for the 2019/2020 academic year and was aimed primarily at schools with no onsite cooking facilities.
In the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future, the Government have undertaken to continue to review and expand the roll-out of the Hot School Meals initiative.
In Budget 2021, I announced that an additional €5.5m would be provided to extend the provision of hot school meals to an additional 35,000 primary school children, currently receiving the cold lunch option.
Expressions of interest were received from 281 schools to avail of the hot school meals. 189 of the schools were selected and are making arrangements for the provision of hot school meals to all children attending the school this year. I also published the research report of the hot school meals pilot which was carried out on behalf of my Department and completed in July 2020.
The purpose of this piece of research was to gain an insight into the impact of the project from the perspective of parents, teachers, SNAs, principals and food suppliers.
The research includes ratings of the hot meals provided during the pilot project, as well as its value, implementation and administration.
The research found that -
- overall the hot meals are rated highly in terms of quality, choice, portion sizes, dietary requirements and nutritional value;
- two thirds of teachers/SNAs said the pilot project had a positive impact on a child’s diet;
- over two thirds of teachers/SNAs and principals rated the hot meals as better quality than the food children ate previously;
- over two thirds of teachers/SNAs and principals said the pilot project increased food waste;
- three in five parents strongly agree that their children enjoyed taking part.
The findings of this research will be used to help the Department make decisions about the future of the Programme.
Any further extension of the provision of hot meals will need to be considered in a budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
559. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of her Department’s special investigation unit to date including the wages of the 20 gardaí involved; the number of individual cases investigated; the number of individual cases investigated on foot of employer reports; the number of employer inspections carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26349/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total cost of my Department's Special Investigation Unit in 2020 amounted to €7.25 million. This includes costs in respect of Gardaí on secondment. During 2020, the Special Investigation Unit carried out some 65,400 case investigations across all of the Department’s schemes.
As of the 7th May 2021, some 1,200 employers have contacted the Department through the employer support line, resulting in reviews of 3,200 employee PUP claims.
A total of 3,316 employer inspections were carried out by Social Welfare Inspectors within my Department in 2020.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
560. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if the eligibility criteria for short-term work support payments currently allow for flexibility with regard to normal employment and unusual circumstances which many employees are experiencing with work patterns; if her Department is reviewing discrepancies in decisions around normal employment relying on the discretion of individual SWOs; the supports in place for workers who are not considered eligible for short-term work support payments as a result of current patterns of working which have been affected by Covid-19 guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26369/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraShort-Time Work Support is a form of Jobseeker's Benefit and is an income support payment for people who have been temporarily placed on a shorter working week by their employer i.e. where for the time being the number of days systematically worked in a working week is less than the number of days normally worked. Short-Time Work must be systematic and show a clear repetitive pattern of employment. Employees must also work at least 1 day in each week that would normally have been worked.
A Deciding Officer examines each case on its own merits having regard to the person’s employment history, any fluctuation in the number of days worked, the systematic pattern of the work days, the existence of a contract of employment and if the employee is in receipt of a set wage. A decision is made as to whether a person's work pattern meets the criteria for short-time work support.
If a person does not meet the conditions for short-time work support they may be entitled to a jobseeker's payment as either a part-time worker or casual worker.
A person who works on a part-time basis and is employed for a set number of days each week and knows the days on which they will be employed may receive a jobseeker's payment as a part-time worker. A person who is normally employed for periods of less than a week, and does not know the number of days or the days of the week on which they will be employed as this varies with the level of activity in the employer’s business, may receive a casual jobseeker's payment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
561. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the main items funded by her Department through community welfare officers for persons who are being rehoused. [26419/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra562. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons seeking funding from community welfare officers for household items for rehousing are obliged to provide three quotations for each item requested; the criteria on which these quotations are assessed noting that, for example, electrical items, beds, furniture and bedding can vary dramatically in price and quality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26420/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra576. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of exceptional needs payments made by her Department in each of the past three years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26557/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 561, 562 and 576 together.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department can make a single Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. An urgent needs payment (UNP) may be made to persons who may not normally qualify for supplementary welfare allowance but who have an urgent need which they cannot meet from their own resources or where an alternative is not available at that time. Government has provided €46.02 million for the exceptional and urgent needs schemes in 2021.
The ENP and UNP schemes are demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. This is done in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
The legislation providing for ENPs and UNPs does not confer a statutory right or entitlement to a payment. The principal consideration in making a payment under these schemes is to address a particular need. The Community Welfare Service officers consider all the circumstances of the case when examining an application for support.
Where a tenant cannot furnish the property from within his/her own resources, s/he can apply for an exceptional needs payment to assist them in furnishing the property. Assistance can be provided in respect of necessary housing related items including bedding, flooring, furniture and household appliances. The level of furnishings and appliances required will depend on an assessment of size and nature of the proposed property, the expected level of occupancy and items already available to the customer. Every case is based on the individual circumstances and needs of the household.
ENPs for goods and services should be based on the most reasonable price at which the article or service can be obtained by the customer. In order to establish this, three quotations should be supplied from customers applying for ENPs where this is possible.
The tabular statement that follows shows the number of payments made under the ENP and UNP scheme each year since 2018.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an exceptional or urgent needs payment should contact my Department's Community Welfare Service. My Department has established an Income Support Line - 1890 800 024 – which can be used by customers at this time to contact the Department. Staff can advise them on how to make an application for assistance from the Department.
If the Deputy has concerns about a particular case, I would ask him to bring it to the attention of my Department.
Tabular Statement
|
Year |
Number of Payments |
|
2018 |
112,500 |
|
2019 |
92,200 |
|
2020 |
67,500 |
|
2021 (end of April) |
18,750 |
563. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Social Protection if a school (details supplied) will be included in the hot school meals programme alongside DEIS schools in view of the fact that community employment scheme employees providing this service for the past 16 years at this school are no longer approved, leading to the facility being withdrawn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26429/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food to some 1,506 schools and organisations benefitting 230,000 children. The objective of the programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children who are unable, due to lack of good quality food, to take full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
As part of Budget 2019, funding was provided for a pilot scheme from September 2019, providing hot school meals in primary schools at a cost of €1m for 2019 and €2.5m in 2020. The pilot involved 37 schools benefitting 6,744 students for the 2019/2020 academic year and was aimed primarily at schools with no onsite cooking facilities.
In Budget 2021, I announced that an additional €5.5m would be provided to extend the provision of hot school meals to an additional 35,000 primary school children, currently receiving the cold lunch option on the school meals programme. 189 schools have been selected and officials from my department are currently engaging with these schools to commence the provision of hot school meals.
As St Mary’s Special School is not currently receiving the cold lunch option, they were not issued with an expression of interest.
Any further extension of the provision of hot meals will need to be considered in a budgetary context.
The school currently receives funding for providing breakfast and hot dinner to pupils attending the school. If the school continues to provide a hot dinner, albeit that the food is prepared off-site, the current funding will remain in place from September 2021.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
564. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the availability and take-up of the extra 3,000 places for employment support schemes, including community employment and Tús places, as part of the July stimulus package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26434/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the July Jobs Stimulus Package, the Government announced 3,000 additional places on Employment Support Schemes, including Community Employment (CE) and Tús. The package was part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, building on the extensive business and employment supports already in place.
Tús is a community work placement initiative. The scheme provides short-term work opportunities and is aimed at people who have been unemployed for more than one year. The purpose of Tús is to facilitate the participants return to the labour market and the supports provided by Tús are designed to facilitate this return to the labour market.
The Community Employment scheme is designed to help people who are long-term unemployed, or otherwise disadvantaged, to get back to work by offering part-time community work placements and training opportunities. Training for CE participants is provided within a Quality Assurance framework.
The Department has been working closely with stakeholders, including CE Sponsoring Authorities and Local Development Companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta who deliver Tús, to identify opportunities for the additional 3,000 placements. The Department completed an initial call for expressions of interest with the existing scheme sponsors and the feedback was very positive. The Department will continue to work closely with the stakeholders to deliver on the Government commitments in the July stimulus package.
The additional places will provide valuable opportunities for long term unemployed persons and will support Community Employment and Tús schemes in providing services to local communities, both rural and urban.
565. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number in each county in receipt of private rental rent supplement social housing support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26444/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme currently supporting 19,570 recipients at the end of April 2021.
The scheme provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment or income, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Rent supplement recipients by county is provided in the attached tabular statement.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Tabular Statement
|
County |
No. of recipients - end April 2021 |
|
CARLOW |
194 |
|
CAVAN |
204 |
|
CLARE |
142 |
|
CORK |
2,355 |
|
DONEGAL |
159 |
|
DUBLIN |
9,962 |
|
GALWAY |
836 |
|
KERRY |
777 |
|
KILDARE |
899 |
|
KILKENNY |
158 |
|
LAOIS |
123 |
|
LEITRIM |
65 |
|
LIMERICK |
481 |
|
LONGFORD |
72 |
|
LOUTH |
171 |
|
MAYO |
309 |
|
MEATH |
331 |
|
MONAGHAN |
129 |
|
OFFALY |
76 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
125 |
|
SLIGO |
154 |
|
TIPPERARY |
184 |
|
WATERFORD |
136 |
|
WESTMEATH |
388 |
|
WEXFORD |
424 |
|
WICKLOW |
716 |
|
TOTAL |
19,570 |
566. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason foster parents are required to be available for work in order to avail of jobseeker’s payments when they are not allowed to leave the child with a childminder under the terms of fostering; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26499/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe two main income supports provided by my Department for people who are unable to find full time employment are Jobseeker's Benefit, which is based on a person's social insurance contributions paid while in employment and Jobseeker's Allowance which is a means tested payment.
To be eligible for a Jobseeker’s payment a person must satisfy all of the qualifying conditions of the statutory scheme, including being available for and genuinely seeking work, which are fundamental requirements of being a jobseeker. A foster carer may not be in a position to satisfy the conditions for a jobseeker’s payment due to the responsibilities of that role.
The provision of fostering services is a matter for Tusla (The Child and Family Agency). This includes any supports, including financial, that are required by the foster parent or the foster child. A weekly payment is payable to the foster carer by Tusla. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week per child under 12 and €352 per week per child over 12 These rates are above the maximum weekly personal rate of €241 for a Jobseeker and a qualified child under 12 years or €248 in the case of a jobseeker and a qualified child over 12 years.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
567. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the processing of applications for various social welfare payments is in line with the most expeditious practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26548/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all customers, ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible and that backlogs of claims are kept to a minimum. All schemes operate to published processing times which are subject to ongoing monitoring and review. Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing qualification criteria. Schemes that require a high level of documentary evidence from the customer, particularly in the case of illness-related schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested payments can also require more detailed investigations and interaction with the customer, thereby lengthening the decision- making process.
Recent data across a number of schemes is outlined in the following table:
|
Scheme |
Target |
Reference period |
April performance |
|
State Pension Contributory |
90% |
Date of entitlement |
90% |
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
90% |
Within 6 weeks |
97% |
|
Carer's allowance |
75% |
Within 11 weeks |
97% |
|
Disability Allowance |
75% |
Within 10 weeks |
95% |
|
Illness Benefit |
90% |
Within 1 week |
81% |
|
Child Benefit |
90% |
Within 4 weeks |
75% |
|
Household Benefits |
90% |
Within 4 weeks |
99% |
As part of the Department’s programme of service delivery modernisation, a range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology, have been implemented in recent years. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised.
In addition, the staffing needs of the Department are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
568. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for a State pension, contributory, received by her Department in the past 12 months; the number granted, refused or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26549/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring the past 12 months a total of 36,739 applications for State pension (contributory) were registered by my Department. Of these, 33,669 claims have been finalised. 15,625 applicants qualified for State pension (contributory) and 6,781 applications were withdrawn where the persons concerned, although they qualified for pension, were already in receipt of a higher payment from my Department. Some 11,263 applicants did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory). The number of pending claims as at end-April 2021 is 7,586.
My Department is committed to ensuring that State pension (contributory) claims are processed as expeditiously as possible. The operational target for State pension (contributory) claims is to have 90% of timely applications awarded (where qualified) by entitlement date, currently the applicant's 66th birthday.
The State Pension Contributory Section in my Department processes pension applications in order of pension age, rather than date of receipt. This ensures that, where possible, applicants will receive a decision in respect of their State pension (contributory) by date of entitlement.
Processing of pension claims depends on the individual nature of applicants’ circumstances. It is also dependent on the completeness of applications received and the availability of the required information.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
569. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants for a State pension, contributory, refused in the past 12 months on the basis of insufficient contributions; the number granted on appeal; if a mechanism exists for those deemed ineligible to supplement their contributions with a view to qualification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26550/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder current eligibility conditions, applicants must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equates to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment over a person’s working life. Calculation of an applicant’s entitlement to State pension (contributory) is based on their social insurance record from their date of entry into insurable employment until pension age, currently 66 years.
According to the records of my Department, during the last 12 months, 5,881 State pension (contributory) applications were disallowed on the basis of having insufficient contributions, of which 3,805 remain disallowed.
In some cases customers have settled their outstanding self -employed liability and subsequently qualified for pension. The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, stipulates that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory), unless the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one year prior to reaching age 66 and all outstanding self-employment contributions have been paid by him/her in full. Where contributions are paid subsequent to a claimant’s 66th birthday, State Pension (Contributory) can only be awarded from the date on which the self-employment liability has been fully discharged.
It is open to applicants to request a review or to appeal the decision they receive regarding their eligibility for State pension (contributory). Information as to whether the subsequent award of pension in 2,076 cases during the past 12 months was on the basis of a customer-requested review or formal appeal is not available at this time.
Depending on an applicant’s individual social insurance history their entitlement is assessed under a number of different tests to determine if they qualify for a pension. They may also have the option of applying to be a voluntary contributor.
For those who do not qualify for the State pension (contributory), there are other state pension payments available, depending on an individual’s circumstances. State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested, residency-based payment for persons of pension age, based on the applicant's share of assessable household means. The maximum rate payable equates to 95% of the maximum rate of state pension (contributory).
If a person’s spouse has a State pension (contributory), the person may qualify for an Increase for qualified adult (IQA) payable with their spouse’s pension (means-tested on their own means). The rate of IQA payable may amount to 90% of the maximum State pension (contributory), depending on the rate of State pension (contributory) in payment to the person’s spouse and the person’s own means, solely or jointly held.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
570. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of cases in which the relevant contributions for the State old age pension have been refunded in which the applicant did not qualify on contribution grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26551/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere a person enters the social insurance system over the age of 56 they will not be able to make sufficient social insurance contributions to be awarded a State Pensions (Contributory) on reaching 66 years of age because it has a minimum contribution requirement of 520 contributions (i.e., 10 years). In such cases a level of social insurance refund may be applicable.
The Department made two such refunds in 2021 to date.
Further analysis of our records is required to extract similar information for the years 2017-2020 inclusive, as requested by the Deputy (in subsequent clarification). Once extracted, the information will be sent to the Deputy's office.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
571. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons currently in receipt of carer’s allowance; the extent to which the numbers have fluctuated in the past five years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26552/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer'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 results in them requiring that level of care.
I can advise the Deputy that at the end of April 2021 there were 89,549 customers in receipt of Carer's Allowance, an increase of 27% from 70,459 customers in receipt of Carer's Allowance in 2016.
I have attached a breakdown of the number of customers in receipt of Carer's Allowance in the past five years in tabular form and the percentage increase per year.
|
Year (end of) |
Total |
% Increase |
|
2020 |
88,906 |
5.8 |
|
2019 |
84,028 |
5.1 |
|
2018 |
79,914 |
6.2 |
|
2017 |
75,264 |
6.8 |
|
2016 |
70,459 |
11.8 |
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
572. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the processing of applications for widow's and widower's State pensions are up to date at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26553/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that accurate decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. Processing targets for my Department are set out each year in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for the Public Service and are kept under review.
At present, the target for all widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pensions applications is to have 90% of claims processed within six weeks.
My Department is currently processing 95% of all widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pensions applications within one week of their having been received. However, some applications may take longer as further documents such as necessary certificates or social insurance records are required to allow a decision to be made.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
573. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when it is expected that oral hearings in respect of social welfare appeals cases are likely to recommence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26554/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
When an appeal is assigned to an Appeals Officer, the Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if determined as necessary, hold an oral hearing.
Oral hearings are currently being conducted online or by telephone and these types of hearings will continue. Due to the public health restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person hearings were suspended in March 2020 and have remained suspended since then with the exception of a small number of weeks in August and September 2020. The matter of the resumption of in-person hearings is being kept under review.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
574. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the State old age pension, contributory, who are aged 100 years or more to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26555/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the most recent records of my Department, there are 142 State pension (contributory) recipients who are aged 100 years or more, out of a total of 454,008 recipients.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
575. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the State old age pension, non-contributory, who are aged 100 years or more to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26556/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the most recent records of my Department, there are 187 recipients of state pension non-contributory who are aged 100 years or more, out of a total of 95,117 recipients.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
