Written Answers Nos. 172-191
172. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider an extended or augmented social protection payment for those out of work and unable to re-enter the workforce due to the symptoms of long-Covid such as in the case of a person (details supplied). [30155/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. It is important to note that entitlement to these supports is generally not contingent on the nature of the illness/disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
In March of last year, under the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 (No. 1) and subsequent regulations, the Government provided for entitlement to illness benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or are a probable source of infection with Covid-19.
The rate of payment of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of Covid-19 is higher than the normal maximum personal rate for a limited period. 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 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 up to 10 weeks where a person has been diagnosed with Covid-19. 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.
In a case where a person continues to be ill beyond 10 weeks, standard Illness Benefit may be paid for an extended period, based on the person’s continued eligibility. Illness Benefit is the primary income support payment for people who are unable to attend work due to illness of any type. Additional payments may also be made in respect of a qualified adult and qualifying children.
Apart from these income supports, my Department also provides means tested supports under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who are ill but who do not qualify for Illness Benefit. The Department may also make an exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.
Given the comprehensive set of supports available to people who are unable to work due to illness, I do not propose to extend the duration of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment at this time.
I trust this clarifies the issue.
173. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of the criteria in circumstances in which a person is in receipt of the State pension (contributory) and claiming for an increase for an adult dependant. [30195/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of payments and pensions paid by the Department to people over State pension age. One of these is the State pension (contributory), qualification for which is based on a number of criteria, including that a minimum of 520 qualifying social insurance contributions have been paid. People who have not made such contributions are generally paid alternative payments. It should be noted having 520 paid contributions alone does not qualify a person for a maximum rate pension. Comprehensive details on qualification criteria are available on the Department's website at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/e6f908-state-pension-contributory/
Once fulfilment of those conditions is achieved, there are a number of additional payments that may be available to recipients in certain circumstances. One such payment is the increase for qualified adult which is payable once the financially dependent adult satisfies a means test. It is normally paid where the qualified adult does not have enough contributions to claim a pension in their own right and it is usually paid on the basis of the contribution history of the primary pension recipient. Comprehensive details on this increase are also available on the Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/service/a2ae6f-increase-for-a-qualified-adult/.
In an effort to improve the position of the Qualified Adults of pensioners in receipt of the State pension, changes were made over time to allow for it to be paid directly to the Qualified Adult. The stated rationale for this at the time was to transform the payment into what is in effect a payment that would be paid directly to the Qualified Adult in their own right as distinct for being a dependant of their spouse.
An increase for qualified adult is also payable on non-contributory State pension where the qualified adult is under 66 years of age and satisfies a means test. The means test for State pension non-contributory takes into account the income and assets of both the claimant and his or her spouse or partner. Capital, property (excluding a person's home), savings and investments are assessed as capital and a formula is then used to assess the weekly means from capital. The weekly rate payable depends on the total weekly means of the person or couple.
State pension (non-contributory) differs fundamentally from contributory payments in its design. It is intended to support people in Ireland who have an income need, and to ensure they do not experience poverty in their old age, even if they did not pay significant PRSI while working or make other private provision for retirement. State pension (contributory) by contrast is an entitlement built up through PRSI contributions, and is not impacted upon by the means of the pensioner, nor their residence.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
174. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a research project undertaken by an organisation (details supplied) on behalf of her Department in relation to the cost of bereavement and funeral poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30210/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2020, a budget of €60,000 was provided to support the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) in carrying out a research project into funeral poverty in Ireland.
This independent research by the IHF is to examine how bereavement affects people, particularly the economic impact of death. It seeks to trace the dynamics of bereavement in Ireland, identify immediate and longer-term impacts on families, identify the costs and deficits, and explore ways to mitigate against economic impact.
Funding from the Department is supporting the research, which was originally due to be completed by December 2020. However, the COVID-19 emergency resulted in much of the work being deferred and brought forward to 2021.
I understand that the first phase of the project was completed in 2020 and that funding support of €31,394.38 was paid to the IHF in December 2020.
I also understand that work is now underway on Phase 2 which is a qualitative phase exploring in-depth the economic impacts that bereavement can have, from the perspectives of the bereaved and the professionals who support them. The IHF team for this is in place and in the process of developing its sampling strategy, with a view to completing this phase in September 2021.
I further understand that IHF's current plan is to finalise its work, combining the various phases of the project, in October 2021, when it intends to publish its findings, consisting of a final report and two short papers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
175. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions taken by his Department to implement recommendation CM/Rec (2016)7 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to member states on young persons access to rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30092/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2016 Recommendation referred to by the Deputy was approved by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, which is comprised of the Foreign Ministers of each Member State and my Department was consulted as part of this process.
The text sets out recommendations to strengthen young people’s access to rights through a range of social inclusion measures and by addressing discrimination and promoting equal opportunities. The youth sector is identified in the text as a key pillar in promoting young people’s access to rights.
My Department provides substantial funding to a range of national and local youth services that provide support to young people in areas relevant to this Recommendation, including through developing their active citizenship and autonomy, providing access to information and to opportunities for mobility, and enhancing their employability. Special attention is paid through my Department’s targeted funding scheme to young people with fewer opportunities, including those from disadvantaged or marginalised communities.
Another key component of my Department’s role in enhancing young people’s access to rights is through the implementation of Ireland’s National Strategy on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-Making, which ensures that policy and service provision at all levels reflect the views of young people. A range of actions have been taken to implement this strategy and enable young people to exercise their rights. Also of relevance to the Recommendation referred to by the Deputy are the measures being taken in line with our LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy 2018-2020 (extended into 2021) to support LGBTI+ young people to achieve the same outcomes as all young people.
176. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the sections of the Youth Work Act 2001 which have not yet been commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30093/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date, Sections 1-7, 17, 18, and 24 of the Youth Work Act 2001 have been commenced. Sections 8-16, 19-23, and 25-37 are not yet commenced.
Responsibility for youth services transferred to the then Department of Children and Youth Affairs in 2011. Since that time there has been a necessary focus on significant reform of youth work schemes and structures undertaken.
These initiatives and reforms include the preparation of a dedicated youth strategy, a dedicated youth participation strategy, and an LGBTI Youth Strategy.
There has also been a significant Value For Money Review of Youth Funding Schemes undertaken which has resulted in the fundamental reform of targeted youth funding resulting in the launch last year of the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme. An equally significant reform of the universal YSGS scheme is now underway.
The Education and Training Boards (ETBs) administer much of the youth funding on behalf of the Department and employ Youth Officers to assist with this work. Strong governance and engagement arrangements are in place with each ETB. The ETBs conduct a comprehensive needs analysis and area profiling to inform policy and investment decisions.
In terms of engagement with the sector, the Department maintains close links with young people, their representatives and youth organisations through a range of structures and regular formal and informal engagement takes place to ensure that needs are addressed.
177. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the breakdown of the overall €66.8 million funding allocation for youth work provision in 2021 according to each scheme (details supplied) in tabular form. [30094/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is allocated €66.8 million in funding to support the provision of youth services nationwide. This funding was maintained fully during Covid-19 restrictions and has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people.
All youth funding programmes received an increased allocation in 2021 arising from the additional €5 million in Budget 2021 for youth services. The breakdown of my Department's funding for the youth sector is provided below for the Deputy.
|
Scheme |
Allocation 2021 |
|
UBU Your Place Your Space |
€39,743,138 |
|
UBU Your Place Your Space (new services and supports) |
€2,050,000 |
|
Youth Services Grant Scheme (YSGS) |
€12,261,532 |
|
Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) |
€2,254,664 |
|
Youth Information Centres (YIC) |
€1,557,060 |
|
ETB Youth Grant |
€4,675,018 |
|
LGBTI Youth Strategy |
€600,000 |
|
Other Youth Initiatives (incl. Leargas, Gaisce and smaller youth related projects) |
€3,647,205 |
178. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated number of beneficiaries supported by the UBU youth work scheme in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30095/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a reform process, the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme was launched in December 2019 and became fully operational on 1 July 2020. At the time of becoming fully operational, 252 organisations had successfully applied for funding under the scheme.
My Department currently allocates targeted youth funding of €41.8 million via the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme. The mission of the scheme is to provide out-of-school supports to marginalised, disadvantaged or vulnerable young people in their communities to enable them to overcome adverse circumstances and achieve their full potential.
179. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated number of beneficiaries supported by the youth service grant services scheme in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30096/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach year, my Department funds National Youth Organisations to provide universally focused, volunteer led, youth work through the Youth Service Grant Scheme. The funding ensures the continued promotion, growth and development of these organisations in the provision of universal and targeted services for young people. I believe that the youth work carried out by these groups is transformative for young people.
In 2019, my Department provided €11.1 million in Youth Service Grant Scheme funding. 30 National Youth Organisations benefited under this Scheme. I have provided further details of this funding in tabular form for the Deputy.
National Youth Organisations will benefit from over €12 million in funding under this Scheme in 2021. This represents a 6% increase over the funding provided in 2020 and a 9% increase overall since 2019.
Youth Services Grant Scheme
180. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated number of beneficiaries supported by the local youth club grant scheme in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30097/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS), supports youth work activities at a local level by providing small grants to youth clubs and groups. The Scheme is intended to support the operation of volunteer-led youth projects. In 2019, €1.9 million in funding was made available under the LYCGS, and 1,312 youth clubs or groups availed of this funding. Some 78,960 young people nationwide benefited from LYCGS funding in 2019. The grants were made available to the youth clubs and groups through their local Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
My Department allocates almost €67 million to support the provision of youth services nationwide. This funding has been maintained throughout the recent challenging period and this has enabled the youth sector to continue to provide supports to young people, particularly to marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people. In recent years, funding for the provision of youth services has increased on an annual basis. Between 2016 and 2020 the annual current youth funding available to my Department increased from €51.9m to €61.79. Additionally, last year I secured a €5 million increase in funding for youth services, including an increase of 7% for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme.
181. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the implementation and allocation of the Youth Climate Justice Fund in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30098/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched the Youth Climate Justice Fund 2021 in March this year and I invited applications from eligible youth organisations. The purpose of this Fund is to support youth-led action on climate justice at community, regional and national level.
A Selection Committee comprised of representatives from my Department, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, and a young person from the Comhairle na nÓg network reviewed the applications received and met to discuss and agree recommendations to me.
I was delighted to see the standard of the applications and the interest from the sector. Organisations to be allocated funding are being notified this week.
182. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total proposed current Exchequer expenditure by his Department in 2021. [30099/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was allocated a gross total of €1.919 billion in the 2021 Revised Estimates. The allocation consists of €1.887 billion in current expenditure and €32 million in capital expenditure.
This level of funding will allow the Department to provide a range of key services in respect of children and young people and in the areas of equality, migrant integration, disability policy, refugee resettlement and provide services for international protection applicants.
183. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the residents of a centre (details supplied) have been moved to hotels to self-isolate after a widespread Covid-19 outbreak there; the measures that will be taken to prevent a similar outbreak in the future considering the communal living and the lack of social distancing possible in congregated settings such as direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30182/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is guided by the advice of Public Health officials in each Community Health Organisation area as regards how cases of COVID-19 at our accommodation centres in each region are to be managed, including decisions on when and where testing and off-site isolation is deemed necessary. Where off-site isolation is deemed necessary, a resident is moved to the off-site facility and supported while there.
All centres are following the guidelines that were published by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). These are publicly available at its website - www.hpsc.ie.
That guidance exists precisely because it is recognised that congregated settings such as IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Service) accommodation centres present specific challenges in this pandemic.
A wide range of measures have been put in place across the accommodation network to address any COVID-19 related issues should they arise.? These measures were implemented in collaboration with the HSE and are informed by regional public health officials and infection control teams from the HSE. ?
The measures, which are kept under regular review by a joint HSE/DCEDIY monitoring group, include:
- Provision for self-isolation facilities in centres and offsite self-isolation at HSE and IPAS isolation facilities
- Increased capacity to support physical and social distancing
- Enhanced cleaning regimes and provision of PPE
- Regular communications and information, translated into several languages, on public health advice to residents and centre managers
- Provision of a free, confidential and independent support line for residents operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service
- Cocooning of all medically vulnerable and over 65 residents
The most recent Covid-19 related guidelines for IPAS Accommodation Centres were communicated to all residents on 18 May 2021. This document replaces the previous IPAS 'Living with COVID' plan. The new guidelines explain the restrictions placed on certain accommodation centres where an outbreak may have ben identified by the public health authorities.
My officials in IPAS will continue to work closely with the HSE and public health authorities to ensure that guidance and measures in place at all centres are sufficient in light of changing conditions.
184. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the psychosocial supports available to the LGBTQI+ community who are living in direct provision settings. [30186/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe potential vulnerability of LGBTI+ persons in the International Protection process is recognised by my Department. Where a protection applicant discloses information in relation to their gender identity or sexual orientation, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department makes every effort to ensure that appropriate accommodation is provided. The newly established resident welfare team in IPAS will also work to assess any additional needs the person may have in the context of their accommodation.
As the Deputy may be aware a new Vulnerability Assessment process is currently being piloted by IPAS. The pilot commenced in December 2020 and was extended to all new applicants for international protection from the beginning of February. This assessment provides an opportunity for members of the LGBTI+ community to disclose information at an early stage, helping to ensure appropriate accommodation and support is provided without delay.
As vulnerabilities can manifest themselves at any stage of the protection process, applicants will also be able to undergo a Vulnerability Assessment at a later stage if this is desired by the applicant and deemed necessary by IPAS or other reception service providers. This is to help to ensure that any vulnerabilities that may subsequently arise are identified in a timely manner.
IPAS also liaises with State and NGO support agencies to assist our residents who may need guidance or support. In this regard, LGBT Ireland work with residents in our centres who identify as LGBTI+.
Since 2018, LGBT Ireland has facilitated a peer support group for LGBTI+ people in the International Protection process. Currently 'Is Rainbow Muid' meet online twice a month and continues to provide vital supports to members of the LGBTI+ community living in our accommodation centres at this time.
In addition, a confidential Freephone telephone support service, funded by, but independent of, my Department, was established in May 2020 to provide further support to residents who are being accommodated by my Department. This Freephone confidential support helpline is operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).
IPAS has commenced a review of a number of its operational policies currently in place for the IPAS accommodation network. As part of this review, a specific policy with regard to the provision of accommodation services for LGBTI+ protection applicants will be prepared in consultation with the Department's Equality Unit and relevant LGBTI+ support groups.
185. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the breakdown of the budget in regard to parental supports across areas (details supplied); and the breakdown of costs for 2020 and 2021, in tabular form. [30223/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA wide range of private and voluntary organisations are commissioned by Tusla, the Child and Family agency, to provide services on its behalf locally, regionally or nationally. This includes funding for parenting support services in addition to those provided directly by Tusla staff. The total annual funding for individual organisations, including family resource centres, is published online in Tusla’s annual reports and financial statements. No breakdown is available for expenditure on parenting support services overall or across Tusla local areas.
186. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will increase the number of driver training courses available at Tipperary Enterprise and Training Board in order to meet the high demand for these drivers across the construction industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30006/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department have engaged with Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB) regarding this issue, and TETB have indicated that while the planning of driving courses has been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions, TETB will continue to manage demand and plan driving training in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions, ongoing public health guidelines, and in response to local and sectoral needs.
There are 10 driver theory courses that are currently running in different locations across Tipperary and 13 further courses are planned for 2021. These will take place in Cashel, Carrick, Killenaule, Clonmel, Nenagh, Roscrea, Borrisokane, and Thurles. Additionally, there will be online courses available.
At present there are a total of 63 learners on driver training courses in TETB.
187. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are any refunds or waiver of fees available to third-level students given they have been at home studying remotely for most of the year. [30011/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile Ireland is operating on the Plan for Living with COVID all further and higher education institutions delivered the majority of their classes online with only essential activities held on site. While it is appreciated that the COVID impacts are disappointing for students who had hoped to have as much time on campus as possible, these measures are necessary to support halting the spread of the Coronavirus.
Higher education institutions are autonomous institutions as provided for in legislation and are responsible for their own academic affairs. Therefore, the determination of the total level of tuition fees is a matter for each institution in accordance with its own particular operational conditions and circumstances in ensuring quality education provision.
In general there is a real requirement in these exceptional times to have a responsive approach to student needs wherever possible and it is important to acknowledge that HEIs have to date shown enormous willingness to be responsive in numerous ways. Students are encouraged to engage with their institution to discuss any issues in relation to their course, including course delivery and fees.
In considering fees, it is important to note that the State currently provides very substantial financial support to undergraduate students in higher education towards the cost of their studies. This support has played a very significant role in facilitating access to and growth in higher education. What was previously the preserve of a relatively small proportion of the school leaving population is now much more widely available, as reflected in the current transfer rate from second to third level.
This commitment is demonstrated through the Free Fees Schemes under which the Exchequer currently contributes €340m to meeting the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate students in higher education.
All students eligible for the scheme receive state support whereby the Exchequer pays the cost of tuition fees exclusive of the student contribution. In addition, the Exchequer pays the student contribution of €3,000 per annum in full or part, through SUSI, for approximately 44% of students eligible for free fees at a cost of over €180m.
I am of course very conscious of the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our students. In recognition of the challenges facing full time third level students, financial assistance will be provided in academic year 20/21 to all students who avail of SUSI grants and to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the state.
Under this initiative students who avail of the SUSI grant received a €250 top-up in their grant and students who do not avail of the grant but attend publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the state could reduce by €250 any outstanding student contribution fee payments or receive a €250 credit note for their institution.
This builds on the additional supports announced in July 2020 including a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education and an additional €3m provided for investment in supports for mental health services and well-being initiatives.
Students experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Office of the institution attended. The fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
188. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the population of apprentices currently participating on an apprenticeship in each apprenticeship programme. [30136/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra189. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the population of apprentices currently participating on an apprenticeship programme by county. [30137/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra190. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the population of apprentices by age cohort (details supplied). [30138/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 188 to 190, inclusive, together.
There are currently 60 apprenticeships available with a further 18 programmes in development. The apprenticeship population as of the end of April 2021 is 20,221. The full breakdown of apprentices currently participating on an apprenticeship in each apprenticeship programme is attached.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the total population of apprentices currently participating on an apprenticeship programme by county and the population of apprentices by age cohort is currently being collated by SOLAS and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
191. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current Exchequer funding provided by his Department for apprenticeship programmes in each of the years 2018 to 2021, in tabular form. [30139/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeship funding for both SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is provided from the National Training Fund. I outline below the details of the expenditure form 2018 to 2020 and the intital allocation for 2021.
|
Year |
SOLAS € |
HEA € |
Total € |
|
2021 |
142,373,000 |
56,000,000 |
198,373,000 |
|
2020 |
112,479,951 |
44,000,000 |
156,479,951 |
|
2019 |
122,954,315 |
37,000,000 |
159,954,315 |
|
2018 |
86,650,000 |
32,000,000 |
118,650,000 |
