Written Answers Nos. 168-184
170. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection when the cost of disability payment will be introduced as committed to in the Programme for Government; the status on the measurement and implementation of the cost of disability payment generally. [35362/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits the Government to use the research into the cost of disability to individuals and families to properly inform the direction of future policy. My Department commissioned Indecon International Consultants to carry out research into the cost of disability. That report has recently been provided to my Department which now has to consider the report in detail. Given that the issues involved concern a number of Departments, it is intended to brief and seek the views of the various government departments who have key roles to play in the delivery of disability services and supports. Once this process is complete I intend to submit the report to Government for consideration. A decision regarding the appropriate date of publication will be made once Government has had an opportunity to consider the report fully. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
172. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of measures to address anomalies in the homemaker’s scheme for those who provided the majority of their caring prior to 1994; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35333/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA policy to introduce the Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pensions calculation was adopted by Government in the National Pensions Framework in 2010, as was the decision to base the entitlements of all new pensioners on this approach from around 2020.In January 2018, the Government introduced a new interim Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to the calculation of State Pension that allows pensioners who reached pension age from September 2012 (i.e., those born on or after 1 September 1946), to have their pension entitlement calculated by an interim “Total Contributions Approach” (TCA) which includes up to 20 years of new HomeCaring Periods. This approach has significantly benefited many people, particularly women, whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, while raising families or in a caring role. The interim TCA ensures that the totality of a person’s social insurance contributions - as opposed to the timing of them - determines their final pension outcome. The HomeCaring Periods can be claimed for any year in which they occurred - they are not limited to years since 1994.People whose pensions were decided under the 2000-2012 ratebands (i.e., those born before 1 September 1946) were subject to a significantly more generous payment regime than those who qualified before or afterwards, as a Yearly Average of only 20 contributions per year (out of a maximum of 52) could attract a 98% pension. Therefore, if pre-2012 pensioners were also allowed avail of HomeCaring Periods, their arrangements, as a group, would continue to be significantly more generous than those of post-2012 pensioners. There would also be a very significant cost which would be expected to be of the order of several hundred millions of euros each year. This in turn could significantly impact funds for future pension increases with consequential implications for pensioner poverty.For those with insufficient contributions to meet the requirements for a State pension (contributory), they may qualify for a means tested State pension (non-contributory), the maximum personal rate for which is €237 (over 95% of the maximum rate of the contributory pension). This rate of payment does not include rent allowance, household benefits or fuel allowance. Alternatively, if their spouse is a State pensioner and they have significant household means, their most beneficial payment may be an Increase for a Qualified Adult, based on their personal means, and amounting up to 90% of a full contributory pension.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
173. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the outcome of calculations of all new State pension contributory applications from April 2019 who were assessed under all possible rate calculation methods including the new total contributions approach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35335/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department applies a number of tests in respect of each claim to State Pension Contributory in order to provide the highest level of pension possible to the customer, based on their contribution record. These include tests on the yearly average contributions paid and credited and also a total contributions test. Once a record is found that qualifies the person to receive the maximum rate of pension, the process completes and a decision is issued to them. Otherwise, the person is awarded the highest rate possible, based on the outcome of the range of eligibility tests.Eligibility tests are applied at the individual level; that is on an individual customer/claim basis. I regret that it is not possible to aggregate the data to match the request as set out in the question.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
174. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the marriage requirement in existing legislation in order to qualify for the widow’s pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35183/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Widow’s, Widower’s and Surviving Civil Partner’s pension is paid to the husband, wife or surviving civil partner of a deceased person and is available to those who satisfy the necessary PRSI contribution conditions, either on their own record or on that of the deceased spouse or civil partner, provided the applicant is not cohabiting. The legal context governing life-partnership relationships such as marriage or civil partnership is set out in various Civil Partnership, Marriage and Family Law Acts. Entering into a marriage or civil partnership is a legal act, which confers both rights and obligations on both parties that do not exist in law between cohabiting couples. Widows, widowers and surviving civil partners, who become bereaved, therefore, lose someone who had legal duties towards them, and the social welfare code recognises this by providing a pension to them, subject to certain conditions.It was for these reasons that the social welfare supports for widows and widowers were extended to surviving civil partners from 1 January 2011, when the provisions of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 came into force.Awarding widows pensions, or a similar benefit, to people who are not legally widows, widowers or surviving civil partners would involve a significant income support policy change and could also be very costly. The basis on which a person would become entitled to such a pension, would require significant consideration and raise complex challenges. Accordingly, any changes to eligibility criteria for widow's pension would need to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
175. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the take-up of the enhanced carer’s support grant for 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35342/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2021 measures, the Carer’s Support Grant (CSG) was increased to €1,850 from €1,700.
In June 2021, almost 117,700 carers received a grant automatically, which represents an increase of 3,700 compared to 114,000 grants paid in June 2020.
Some 12,200 carers who are providing care for two or more people received a grant in respect of each person they are caring for, compared to 11,280 in 2020.
The Carers support grant remains open for applications so it would be expected that further grants will issue over the coming months. For example, just over 116,800 CSG grants issued in total for 2020 up the end of December 2020.
176. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the take-up of parent’s leave and parent’s benefit since the extension was announced on 1 April 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35336/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of Parents benefit claims created in the period from 1st April 2021 to 27th June 2021 was 15,391. In comparison, for the same period last year, the total number of Parents benefit claims received was 2,841.It should be noted that while a claim may be awarded in one month, the leave and benefit could be availed of at a different time, or over a period of months, as it is available to use one week at a time.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
177. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the engagement that has been had with the Minister for Finance to ensure that adult dependant recipients who are 80 years and over an increase for a qualified adult are included for increase of payment which presently is only available to State pension recipients over 80 years and over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35344/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe over 80 allowance is an increase of €10 per week which is automatically awarded to qualified recipients of social welfare payments, including the State Pension (contributory), State Pension (non-contributory) and the Widows, Widowers and Surviving Civil Partners Pension on attaining 80 years of age. An Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) is paid, generally, where the pensioner has a spouse or civil partner who is financially dependent on them, and who does not have enough contributions to claim a maximum rate State pension (contributory) in his/her own right or does not qualify for the State Pension (non-contributory) due to means. The over 80s allowance can only be paid to the primary recipient - as it is an increase on that primary payment - and any proposed changes would need to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
178. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the target processing time for schemes under her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34170/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the different 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 investigation and interaction with the applicant, thereby lengthening the decision- making process. Delays can occur if a claim is submitted and all the necessary supporting documentation is not included. If information is required from social security organisations in other jurisdictions, this can also affect processing times.I am pleased to report that notwithstanding the various issues that can arise; claim processing times on all schemes are currently in line with the set targets.I wish to reassure the Deputy that claim processing targets are regularly reviewed to ensure that they align with customer expectation. Claim processing is kept under active review, with all possible steps taken to improve processing times. This includes the assignment of additional resources, where available, and the review of business processes, to ensure the efficient processing of applications.
179. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to acknowledge the phenomenal work done by carers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. [35260/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the important 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.In responding to the current COVID-19 crisis, the Department has made urgent special provisions for those, including carers, who may be most vulnerable and negatively affected at this time and who have lost their jobs and whose incomes have reduced as a result of the pandemic.To ensure that the most vulnerable groups are provided for, my Department introduced the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. This temporary measure allow payments to be made with certain other social welfare payments including Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit. In effect, a carer whose work ceases as a result of COVID-19 and whose situation qualifies them for this payment will get it along with their current carer income support whether Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit.Despite the substantial extra financial demands due to the COVID-19 crisis, I announced that the Carer’s Support Grant would be increased by €150 to a rate of €1,850. This is the highest rate since its introduction. The annual grant is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. This award can be used for any purpose at the discretion of the carer and it is not taxed. Recipients of Carer's Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance receive the grant automatically. Other people who are not in receipt of a social welfare payment but who are providing full time care and attention to someone who requires that level of care are also eligible and can apply for a grant.On 3 June, some 129,000 grants were paid to 117,000 people. Some 12,000 carers who are providing care for two or more people received a grant in respect of each person they are caring for. The grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for to take account of the additional cost of providing care and to recognise the particular challenges faced by these carers. I can assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the key role carers play in society and the particular challenges they face in light of Covid-19 and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review. Any improvements or additions to these supports can only be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available financial resources. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
180. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the analysis her Department has carried out into the impact of the change to the new regional employment service model on local employment services and jobs clubs; the details on the second phase of the tender process; the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35305/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2019, my Department engaged external consultants, IES and Social Finance, to carry out a review of all public employment services, including EmployAbility, Job Clubs, JobPath and the Local Employment Services.The consultants in their review engaged extensively with current employment service providers and other stakeholders in the process including representative bodies for the unemployed. Their review makes a significant contribution to the ongoing process of procuring contracted employment service capacity to supplement the existing capacity of my Department's Intreo offices.The IES and Social Finance review reiterated the findings of the earlier 2018 Indecon Review of Job Clubs which recommended that the Department integrate LES and Job Clubs into one service, thereby reducing administrative duplication and supporting a more effective and efficient overall employment support service for those who require this support. Many of the current LES and Job Clubs contracts have been in place for over 20 years with no competitive procurement being undertaken in that period. This is contrary to the requirements of good governance or procurement rules. The request for tender recently published and those being developed will ensure that sufficient high-quality employment services are procured in a manner that is compatible with EU and national procurement rules. When this process is complete, there will be a significant increase in the overall level of employment services available to jobseekers across the State. This will mean that the unemployed irrespective of where they live will have access to the full range of quality employment services provided by the Public Employment Service. The second phase of the procurement process will see new Regional Employment Services in place for January 2022.
181. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports in place for the school meals programme over the summer and the extension of the hot school meals programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35337/21]
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.Funding under the School Meals Programme is normally confined to the academic year, but an exception has been made this summer in recognition of Covid-19. Funding under the school meals programme will remain available to schools to allow them to continue to provide food during the summer period until the start of the new academic year 2021/2022.This extension will ensure that participating primary and secondary schools can provide food parcels benefiting thousands of pupils over the summer months. Furthermore, funding will be made available to schools participating in the Department of Education’s School Based Education Programme, which focusses on pupils with complex special educational needs and those at risk of education disadvantage.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. Invitations for expressions of interest were issued to 705 primary schools. A total of 281 expressions of interest were received in respect of 52,148 children.The 35,000 places were allocated to each local authority area based on the number of children applied by local authority as a percentage of the total number. A minimum of one school for each Local Authority area was selected. Thereafter, a process of random selection was used for each area. As a result of this process, 189 of the 281 schools that submitted an expression of interest were selected. Due to the fact that the funding available was limited to 35,000 children, it was not possible to include all schools that submitted an expression of interest to avail of hot school meals. A number of schools which were selected decided not to proceed and these places have been reallocated to other schools.I am committed to continuing to grow the hot school meals element of the school meals programme and building further on the significant extension announced as part of Budget 2021. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
183. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason no proof of unemployment was required when persons were applying for the pandemic unemployment payment; and the number of instances of fraud or attempted fraud in relation to the payment that were reported to her Department. [34500/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is available to employees and self-employed people who have lost their employment and income due to the public health restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, and who satisfy the other qualifying conditions of the scheme. The payment has proven to be a vital income support to workers, thousands of whom lost their jobs virtually overnight. To date, expenditure on the scheme is over €8 billion - which demonstrates the Government’s clear and on-going commitment to support workers and businesses who have been severely impacted by Covid-19. Almost 870,000 people have availed of this support - the scale of which is unprecedented in the history of the State.Since the introduction of the PUP, in excess of 1.7 million PUP claims were received and processed and over 25 million individual payments have been made. The quickest and easiest way to apply for this payment is online at MyWelfare.ie. Eligible applications received by close of business on a Thursday are processed for payment on the following Tuesday.My Department accepts that in applying for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, a person is confirming that they have lost their employment as a direct consequence of Covid-19. Accordingly, it is not necessary for a person to provide proof of unemployment, save in exceptional circumstances.The rate of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is linked to a person's previous earnings, and my Department uses data from the Revenue Commissioners for this purpose. Where a person has applied for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment and my Department cannot find any record of PRSI contributions or earnings, it contacts the people concerned and asks them to submit evidence of employment, for example a pay slip. Where they provide the required evidence, their claim is then put into payment as quickly as possible.Almost 6,000 PUP-related suspected fraud allegations, reported by members of the public, have been dealt with by my Department up to the end of May 2021.As of the 31st of May 2021, some 1,270 employers have contacted the Department's employer reporting facility, resulting in reviews of 3,330 PUP claims. After investigation, approximately 500 of these PUP claims were stopped, which represents less than 0.1 percent of the customers who have availed of PUP.I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
184. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff in her Department that are working remotely on a permanent basis; the number working from home; the number working from a remote hub; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34169/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs an essential service, staff in my Department have continued, throughout the pandemic, to work both on site in office premises and remotely to deliver for our customers. The number of staff who are working remotely at any one time is approximately 3,300 which is 50% of the total staffing number and has remained relatively constant through the Covid-19 restrictions. Staff who must attend the office as they are delivering services that cannot be done remotely comply with all public health guidance and with the Covid-19 Work Safely Protocol.Staff members who are working remotely may be doing so for all of their normal working hours or they may be working on a blended basis, where a portion of their normal working hours is spent working remotely and a portion of their working hours is spent attending the work premises. Staff attending the office and staff working remotely have at times been rotated, depending on the requirements of the work, but always in accordance with public health guidelines. As the Department has over 250 office locations, staff may also avail of a location alternative to their normal office base and use it as a hub location from which to work. This arrangement may be appropriate for some staff in cases where working from home is not conducive to fulfilling their role but their work can be done remotely. Any such arrangements must comply with the restrictions on staff numbers in office locations. Prior to the pandemic, staff working remotely in my Department was infrequent and on an ad hoc basis and all the remote working arrangements currently in place are in the context of the restrictions arising from Covid-19 public health guidance. My Department is now looking beyond the arrangements which have been necessary over the past 15 months and to implementing options for remote working patterns as a permanent feature in the workplace, taking account of business needs. It is important also not to conflate the experience of homeworking during the COVID-19 pandemic with remote working under a more normal or regular scenario, and this is why it is important to develop a policy for the longer term. As outlined in “Making Remote Work, the National Strategy for Remote Working”, published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment earlier this year, there are multiple benefits that can be derived from remote work which will help to achieve numerous public policy objectives. These benefits include increasing participation in the labour market, attracting and retaining talent, enabling balanced regional development, alleviating accommodation pressures, improving work/life balance, improving child and family wellbeing, reducing the amount of time spent commuting, and reducing transport related carbon emissions and air pollution. However, the increased adoption of remote work is not without challenges, and can be linked with negative effects on mental health, for example, and some staff may be experiencing feelings of isolation, loneliness and stress.My Department’s policy will take account of the experience of remote working to date and will be developed in line with a framework of guiding principles from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform which will inform content for all civil service Departments, when finalised.
