Written Answers Nos. 465-485
465. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) has sufficient insurance contributions for a State pension (contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54167/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder current eligibility conditions, applicants must have a minimum of 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). This equates to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment over a person’s working life. It should be noted that having a minimum of 520 full-rate contributions does not automatically entitle an applicant to the maximum rate of State pension (contributory). It is the qualifying threshold that must be satisfied so that an applicant’s pension entitlement can be calculated, based on their individual circumstances.
For those who do not qualify for State pension (contributory), or who qualify for a reduced rate of pension, the State pension (non-contributory) is an alternative means-tested, residency-based payment for persons of pension age. The applicant is assessed with half of the assessable means of the couple. The maximum rate payable equates to 95% of the maximum rate of State pension (contributory).
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has not yet applied for either State pension. I have arranged for the necessary application forms to be sent to them. On receipt of an application, a decision can be made on their entitlement and the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) payment on their spouse’s State pension (contributory), at the maximum rate payable in respect of a qualified adult over 66 with nil assessable means. This rate of IQA equates to approximately 90% of the maximum rate of State pension (contributory).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
466. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for fuel allowance by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed given the person in question was found to be only marginally over the income limit. [54207/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuel allowance is a means-tested payment to assist householders on long-term social welfare payments towards the cost of their heating needs. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.
The main eligibility conditions that apply to the fuel allowance scheme are that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment, must satisfy a means test and must either be living alone or with other qualifying persons. For State pension (contributory) recipients the fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of State pension (contributory). Currently, the applicant and their spouse can have a combined weekly household income of €100.00 above the maximum rates for State pension (contributory) and increase for qualified adult and still be eligible for a fuel allowance.
On the fuel allowance application received by my Department on 26 October 2021, the person concerned provided details of jointly-held capital and an occupational pension. The fuel allowance means assessment is based on assessed weekly means from jointly-held capital, an occupational pension and the couple’s State pension entitlements. Total means assessed exceed the current permissible weekly means of €570.80 for fuel allowance eligibility for a couple where both are aged over 66.
Following Budget 2022, the weekly means threshold for fuel allowance is due to increase by €20 to €120 from January 2022. The couple’s current means are also in excess of the extended means limit.
Weekly means from capital are calculated using the following formula: the first €20,000 are disregarded. The next €10,000 are assessed at €1 per €1,000. The next €10,000 are assessed at €2 per €1,000. The remainder (anything in excess of €40,000) is assessed at €4 per €1,000. This formula and fuel allowance guidelines are published on www.gov.ie.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 3 November 2021. They were advised that if their circumstances change it is open to them to submit a new application for fuel allowance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
467. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address a matter in relation to a difference in payment rates to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54236/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial welfare legislation provides that a person who has been in receipt of the maximum rate of invalidity pension immediately prior to their 66th birthday automatically transfers to the maximum rate State pension (contributory) on reaching pension age.
The person concerned turned 66 on 31 October 2021, which was a Sunday. Friday is the payment day for State pension (contributory). The person concerned therefore received a partial invalidity pension payment for the period from 28 October 2021 to 30 October 2021, and a partial State pension (contributory) payment for the period from 31 October 2021 to 4 November 2021.
From Friday 5 November 2021, the person concerned is in receipt of €248.30, the weekly maximum rate of State pension (contributory).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
468. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the current time it is taking to process domiciliary care allowance reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54242/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance decision reviews are currently taking approximately 12 weeks to process.
Processing times can vary depending on the volume of reviews received, availability of resources and complexity of individual cases. All of these factors are continuously monitored to ensure a timely service to customers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
469. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if the partial capacity benefit payment will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied). [54262/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Partial Capacity Benefit payment to the person concerned was incorrectly stopped due to an administrative error. The payment has been reinstated and all arrears due have been issued.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
470. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of older persons are excluded from the fuel allowance on the grounds of income despite being entirely dependent on social welfare; and her plans to address this issue. [54274/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33.00 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 over a full fuel season) from October to April, to 365,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €300 million in 2021. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.
The criteria for fuel allowance are framed in order to direct the limited resources available to the Department in as targeted a manner as possible. People who are in receipt of a qualifying contributory payment must also satisfy a means test. All non-contributory recipients are accepted as satisfying the means-test.
A fuel applicant and members of his/her household may have a combined assessable income of up to €100.00 a week above the appropriate rate of State Pension Contributory and qualify for a payment. Therefore, an elderly person who is solely dependent on Social Welfare payments would only be refused fuel on the grounds of income if they are in receipt of an additional payment from my Department at a rate in excess of the allowable €100.00 a week. From January 2022 the allowable combined assessable income will be increased by €20 to €120.
It might be remembered that more than half of those over 66 are solely dependent upon the State pension. The €100 a week means limit is significantly higher that the weekly fuel allowance rate of €33.00. Therefore, pensioners with a weekly social welfare income of €100 above the appropriate rate of State Pension Contributory will still be receiving a payment that is higher than those received by pensioners dependent on just the State Pension and fuel allowance.
Any decision to disregard all Social Welfare payments when assessing household means for fuel allowance purposes would have budgetary consequences and could only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and priorities and the availability of financial resources.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme exceptional needs payments (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which an applicant is unable to meet out of his / her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by a Deciding Officer based on the particular circumstances of the case.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
471. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the meaning of the phrasing, the date on which the decision takes effect is prescribed as the date on which payment of Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment shall cease to be made refers to with regard to Statutory Instrument 546 of 2021 on Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) (Amendment) (No. 16) (Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment) Regulations; if the meaning of the decision date will be specified; if the decision date refers to the date a decision is made, the date a person is informed regarding their application to transition to jobseeker's or if it is an arbitrary date chosen by a deciding officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54299/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra472. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason all persons being transitioned from the pandemic unemployment payment to jobseeker’s payments are not being moved as an entire cohort on one confirmed and publicly communicated date in order to reduce financial uncertainty and unreliability for families and households with regard to Statutory Instrument 546 of 2021 on Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) (Amendment) (No. 16) (Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment) Regulations and the transition of recipients from the pandemic unemployment payment to jobseeker's payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54300/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra473. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the date the pandemic unemployment payment is transitioning into the jobseeker’s payment at the rate of €203 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54454/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 471 to 473, inclusive, together.
The PUP is gradually being withdrawn over the next four month period until February 2022 to align it with the standard jobseeker payments. This considered and tapered approach is being taken to avoid a sudden reduction in payments to those who have not yet returned to employment.
In line with the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan, changes have been introduced to the PUP rate to reduce the payment over a gradual period back to standard jobseekers terms. With effect from payments on 14th of September, the payment rates are now €300, €250 and €203. Further rate changes will take place from 16th November 2021 and 8th February 2022.
As customers go on to the €203 rate, which is aligned with the maximum rate of Jobseeker's Allowance and Jobseeker's Benefit, they will move to standard jobseekers terms. This is a necessary step to restore standard social welfare terms and provides equity with those who lost their employment before Covid restrictions and those who have lost employment since 8 July when the PUP scheme closed to new applicants.
My Department has already contacted customers impacted by the transition to advise them of the process and the options available to them so that they will continue to be supported as appropriate. Where a person qualifies for Jobseeker’s Benefit they will automatically move to that payment. Where a person has applied for Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit Self-Employed, they will retain their PUP payment until a decision is made on their application. The date the decision takes effect will, in general, be from the Friday following the date on which the claim is decided by the Deciding Officer which ensures that there is no interruption in payments. In the case for example where the person is entitled to a higher rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit Self-Employed the decision date may be backdated to the date of receipt of the application which will benefit the customer. Where PUP is due to cease on foot of any decision on their application for a standard jobseeker payment, the person will be notified in advance.
The approach taken, as opposed to implementing all decisions from a specified date, provides flexibility and ensures that income supports will continue to be made to those who feel that they may have an entitlement a standard jobseeker payment until such time as a decision is made on their application.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputies at this time.
474. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the rule with regard to child benefit and the qualifying conditions for receipt of the benefit in cases in which a child resides 50% of their time with each parent the payment is made to their mother; if the rule has been reviewed; if changes to the rule have been considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54456/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe payment of Child Benefit is based on the rules of residency which state that, where a qualified child resides with his or her mother, the child is deemed to be resident with the mother and with no other person. In effect, the mother is the qualified person to receive the benefit in respect of that child. This applies even where the child’s father also resides in same household. Where the child resides with both parents, the payment can be transferred to the child’s father on request from the qualified person.
Rules of residency are contained in Statutory Instrument 142 of 2007 (as amended), as provided for in the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005. If a child resides with, for example, their father rather than their mother for most of the time, the father may be entitled to receive Child Benefit for that child.
Child Benefit cannot be split between parents. That is in line with social welfare payments, as generally speaking, there is no provision for splitting payments. Child Benefit is a key pillar of the child income supports which are provided by my Department. It plays an important role in lifting households above the poverty line. Splitting the payment might reverse this positive effect.
I am satisfied that the current arrangements are adequate in respect of achieving the overall policy goals of the Child Benefit scheme. I have no plans to make any changes at this time.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
475. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if the disability allowance will continue to be paid in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54571/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned was awarded disability allowance (DA) with effect from 31 May 2017.
On 5 May 2021, the person concerned was notified in writing that the DA payment would be stopped with effect on 26 May 2021, due to participation on a Community Employment Scheme (CES).
All DA recipient payments are stopped for the duration of attendance on a CES and the weekly payment is taken over by the scheme provider. In order to re-instate DA payment, notification must be received from the CE scheme that the person is no longer participating.
The Department has not received notification to date on the person concerned. On receipt of this confirmation from the CE scheme, DA can be put back into payment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
476. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection if persons diagnosed with long Covid will be eligible to receive the disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54586/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range 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 not contingent on the nature of the illness or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity for employment.
Disability Allowance (DA) is payable to persons aged between 16 and 66, subject to a means test, a habitual residency requirement and a medical assessment - to be eligible a person must have an injury, disease or mental or physical disability that has continued, or may be expected to continue for at least one year and, as a result of this disability, the person is ‘substantially restricted’ in undertaking employment. Legislation provides that the DA means test takes account of the income and capital/assets of the person (and spouse/partner, if applicable) applying for the scheme.
In addition, Illness Benefit is the primary social insurance based support payment for people who are unable to attend work due to illness.
In March of last year, under the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 and subsequent regulations, the Government provided for entitlement to Illness Benefit for persons who have been diagnosed with Covid-19 or who are a probable source of infection with Covid-19, called ‘Enhanced Illness Benefit’. This support is payable for two weeks where a person is isolating as a probable source of infection of Covid-19 and up to ten weeks where a person has been diagnosed with Covid-19. The rate of Enhanced Illness Benefit is higher than the normal personal Illness Benefit rate.
These measures were designed to ensure that where a registered medical practitioner or a HSE medical officer diagnoses a person with Covid-19 or identifies them 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 and to avoid extreme pressure on the health system. 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. Additional payments may also be made in respect of, a qualified adult and qualifying children.
In addition to the above, the Department also provides the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme for those whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. This scheme includes Exceptional Needs Payments, Urgent Needs Payments and SWA Supplements (heat, travel and dietary supplements). These means tested payments may be made to help meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.
477. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the way the Report of the Commission on Pensions will be assessed by the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if there is a timeline for its journey through the Houses of the Oireachtas. [54671/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine the sustainability of the State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund, in fulfilment of a Programme for Government commitment. The Commission was an independent body comprised of knowledgeable and experienced academics, pension experts, members of civil society and representatives of workers and employers. The Commission has completed its work and its report was published on 7th October 2021. The report, Technical Sub-Committee's working papers and submissions are available on the Commission’s website, pensionscommission.gov.ie.
The Commission’s Report has unambiguously established that the current State Pension system is not sustainable into the future and that change is needed. It is a comprehensive and detailed report that takes account of responses to a very extensive consultation process. The report sets out a wide range of recommendations, including measures to increase Social Insurance Fund (SIF) income.
The report has been referred to the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and to the Commission for Taxation and Welfare for their views. Both the Chair of the Commission, Ms. Josephine Feehily and the Chair of its Technical Sub-Committee, Ms. Roma Burke will meet with the Joint Committee shortly. Officials from my Department will also attend.
In the interests both of older people and of future generations of older people, the Government intends to consider the comprehensive and far reaching recommendations in the Commission’s Report very carefully. My officials will work over the coming months to examine each of the recommendations. They will consult across Government through the Cabinet Committee system. I think it is really important that we complete that work before reaching conclusions. I intend to bring a recommended response and implementation plan to Government by the end of March 2022.
The State Pension is the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland. It is extremely effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty. This Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case for current pensioners, those nearing State Pension age and today’s young workers including those who are only starting their careers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
478. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding Ireland's adoption of the definition of anti-Semitism of an organisation (details supplied). [54131/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland adopts a holistic approach to addressing racism, xenophobia and intolerance in all its forms.
Since 2011, Ireland has been a member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), an intergovernmental organisation that brings together governments and experts to share best practice and promote historically informed policy-making. Ireland was supportive of the adoption by IHRA of the non-legally binding Working Definition of Antisemitism. However, this support was conveyed on the basis that while Ireland was supportive of the definition we did not consider the illustrative examples that followed to be an integral part of the definition.
As the Deputy may be aware, an Taoiseach was one of some 15 Heads of State and Government to speak at the Malmo Forum on Holocaust Remembrance in October this year. The Government made a number of pledges which reinforce the Government's commitment to implementing the forthcoming anti-racism strategy, the proposed hate crime legislation; and to ongoing reform of the school curriculum to better address racism. The Deputy may wish to note that the General Scheme of the proposed Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill 2021 brought forward by my colleague the Minister for Justice makes provision for an offence where a person publicly condones, denies or grossly trivialises any act falling within the definition of a “genocide” in Article II of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the Genocide Convention).
In my own Department, the National Action Plan Against Racism for Ireland will include an action programme which identifies priority issues to be addressed, and with measures that strengthen the Government’s approach to combating racism, building on the actions currently included in the Migrant Integration Strategy, and the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, preventing antisemitism and other forms of racism.
My Department also provides funding to support the annual National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration, organised under the auspices of Holocaust Education Trust, to commemorate the lives of those persecuted during the Holocaust. I am honoured to have been invited to participate in next year’s event on 30 January 2022.
479. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the level of funding for childcare in each of the years from 2011 to 2020 as a percentage of GDP and as a percentage of the annual budget in euro. [54106/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment funding on early learning and childcare has increased significantly in recent years, from a relatively low base. As of 2020, funding levels stood at approximately €638m, up from €235m in 2011. Next year, funding will reach €716 million. This excludes the significant spending on Covid-19 supports for the sector, including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme. First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families commits to reaching funding levels of approximately €1 billion by 2028.
The table below sets out the level of early learning and childcare funding in each of the years from 2011 to 2020 as percentage of GDP, and as a percentage of the annual budget in euro.
|
ELC allocation |
GDP (€bn) |
ELC allocation as a % of GDP |
Budget (€bn) |
% Budget |
|
|
2011 |
0.253 |
203.6 |
0.12% |
75.9 |
0.33% |
|
2012 |
0.257 |
203.5 |
0.13% |
67.6 |
0.38% |
|
2013 |
0.261 |
206 |
0.13% |
67.5 |
0.39% |
|
2014 |
0.264 |
224 |
0.12% |
70.5 |
0.37% |
|
2015 |
0.265 |
280.4 |
0.09% |
70.4 |
0.38% |
|
2016 |
0.344 |
286.1 |
0.12% |
68.1 |
0.51% |
|
2017 |
0.466 |
311.6 |
0.15% |
68.9 |
0.68% |
|
2018 |
0.485 |
339.8 |
0.14% |
72.9 |
0.67% |
|
2019 |
0.574 |
356.5 |
0.16% |
77.0 |
0.75% |
|
2020 |
0.638 |
377.4 |
0.17% |
80.0 |
0.80% |
It is important to note, however that measuring total spend as a proportion of GDP may not be a useful metric when considering Ireland’s early learning and childcare spend.
To address the inflation of Ireland’s GDP figure, the Central Statistics Office publish data using a modified Gross National Income figure, GNI*, that excludes globalisation effects. Early learning and childcare investment monitoring as a percentage of GNI* may give a more accurate estimate of levels of government investment in early learning and childcare.
480. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of the exact reforms to the national childcare scheme mentioned in budget 2022. [54107/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing Budget 2022, two significant reforms will be introduced to the operation of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). It is intended that these reforms will make it possible for significantly more families to apply to the NCS.
The first change is the discontinuation of the practice of deducting hours spent in ECCE or school from the entitlement to NCS subsidised hours.
Currently, where both parents in a household are in work or study, eligible families can receive a subsidy for up to 45 hours (enhanced hours) per week and, for households where a parent is not in work or study they can receive up to 20 hours (standard hours) per week of subsidy. Where a child is in pre-school, ECCE or school these hours are subtracted from their entitlement to NCS subsidised hours.
With this change, parents will be able to avail of all these hours regardless of time spent in school or ECCE.
It is anticipated that this will have the most significant impact on children in socio-economically disadvantaged communities and, on services with high concentrations of families from socio-economically disadvantaged communities.
This change will require adjustments to secondary legislation and to the scheme operating system. This work is expected to be completed in Spring 2022 and the change will then be implemented.
The second reform relates to the universal subsidy. This will be made available to all families with children up to the age of 15 from September 2022. Parents do not have to undergo an assessment to avail of this subsidy. The universal subsidy provides €0.50 cent per hour towards the cost of a registered childcare place up to a maximum of 45 hours a week, which totals €1,170 per annum. It is estimated an additional 40,000 children may benefit from the extension of the universal subsidy.
481. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures his Department has undertaken to reduce the cost of childcare in June 2020; and the policies his Department plans to implement to reduce the cost of childcare by June 2024. [54108/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing affordability in Early Learning and Care and School Age Children (ELC and SAC) is a priority for the Department. An Expert Group has been convened by the Department to develop a new funding model for ELC and SAC. The Expert Group is tasked with examining the current model of funding, its effectiveness in delivering affordable, quality, sustainable and inclusive services and considering how additional resourcing can be delivered for the sector to achieve these objectives.
The Expert Group are supported by a research partner, who have produced and published a set of working papers, with three that directly address affordability issues.
The report of the Expert Group is currently being drafted and is on track to be submitted to Minister in November, before being submitted to Government. The work of the Expert Group has significantly informed the developments being introduced in Budget 2022. The full implementation of the Expert Group's recommendations is likely to be a multi-annual process, as and when funding becomes available on an incremental basis.
Budget 2022 brought in a transformative package of measures for the childcare sector. The significant additional funding includes delivering quality for children and affordability for parents. This translates to €716m (an increase of €78m from €638million in 2021) for the Early Learning and Childcare sector for 2022.
The package of measures for the ELC and SAC sector contains a number of elements. A significant feature of the new funding stream relates to, where, in return for a commitment that fees to parents will not increase, providers will be supported in meeting their operating costs, including increased costs related to improved quality measures.
A key vehicle for the delivery of measures to address affordability is the National Childcare Scheme.
Budget 22 will see two significant reforms to the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) to enhance affordability. The first change is the discontinuation of the practice of deducting hours spent in ECCE or school from the entitlement to NCS subsidised hours. Currently, where both parents in a household are in work or study, eligible families can receive a subsidy for up to 45 hours (enhanced hours) per week and, for households where a parent is not in work or study they can receive up to 20 hours (standard hours) per week of subsidy. Where a child is in pre-school, ECCE or school these hours are subtracted from their entitlement to NCS subsidised hours. With this change, parents will be able to avail of all these hours regardless of time spent in school or ECCE. It is anticipated that this will have the most significant impact on children in socio-economically disadvantaged communities and, on services with high concentrations of families from socio-economically disadvantaged communities.
Secondly, the universal subsidy will be made available to all families with children up to the age of 15 from September 2022. Parents do not have to undergo an assessment to avail of this subsidy. The universal subsidy provides €0.50 cent per hour towards the cost of a registered childcare place up to a maximum of 45 hours a week, which totals €1,170 per annum. It is estimated an additional 40,000 children may benefit from the extension of the universal subsidy.
The National Childcare Scheme is designed so that it can change and grow based on future Government policy decisions and as additional funding becomes available.
482. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current position of plans to end direct provision and implement an alternative system that will effectively and humanely process both new applications of asylum and address the backlog of existing cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54112/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this year, I published A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service. Since then my Department has taken a series of steps to implement these reforms. A staff team has been established in my Department to lead the transition to the new model and has developed a detailed implementation plan.
I have established a Programme Board chaired by my Department and with both Government and independent membership. This Board will provide detailed oversight and advice to the implementation team. I have also recently announced the membership of the three-person External Advisory Group to monitor and report independently on the progress of the reforms.
Working with the Housing Agency, my Department has begun to acquire the accommodation needed for Phase Two - that is, after people have completed their initial four months in a Reception and Integration Centre, and move into the community.
My Department has also begun to develop the integration policy for the new model, based on the principle of 'integration from day one' set out in the White Paper
For its part, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is fully committed to reducing processing times of both first instance decisions and appeals to 6 months respectively, as noted in the White Paper.
The International Protection Office in DOJ is examining and implementing measures with a view to speeding up processing times and reducing the overall number of applicants in the protection process. These measures include training more staff to conduct interviews and complete reports, while also streamlining processes to assist in expediting applications in the medium- to long-term. An end-to-end review of relevant international protection processes by a multi-disciplinary team from within DOJ has now been completed and published.
DOJ will, by October 2022 at the latest, commence a review of progress made in reducing and improving processing times. Based on the outcome of this review, DOJ will decide whether additional measures are required in order to ensure that the new system can come into operation without the overhang of any significant number of legacy cases.
483. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of domestic violence refuge spaces in each county in tabular form; the plans to increase funding for these spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54163/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV under the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. Separately, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility in terms of capital provision for the development of new refuges. My Department is engaging with Tusla, Non-Government Organisations that play a key role in this area, and other relevant Government Departments and Agencies, particularly the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Justice, to progress work in this area.
I was pleased to announce in Budget 2022 that Tusla will be allocated €899m for 2022, which is an increase of €41m over the amount allocated in Budget 2021. With the additional resources being provided to Tusla for 2022, I have expectations Tusla will maintain the heightened level of supports for DSGBV services and address the recommendations arising from Tusla’s Accommodation Review of refuge provision. However, the specific amount to be used for the purpose outlined is not yet established.
I will shortly issue my Performance Statement to Tusla outlining the overall parameters of Tusla's financial resources, and signalling my priorities for the coming year in accordance with section 44 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013. In response to this, Tusla will prepare its annual Business Plan for 2022 in accordance with section 46 of the Act. This outlines the proposed activities for the year and details of the proposed allocation of total financial resources.
I have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the number of domestic violence refuge spaces in each county, as this is an operational matter for Tusla.
484. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vacancies in Tusla in the Dublin area by district; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54222/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond to you directly on this matter.
485. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the pay restoration issue faced by social care workers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54233/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra486. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when his Department will commit to allocate funding to Tusla to enable similar pay restoration for section 56 part-funded agencies such as an agency (details supplied) given that a precedent has already been set with HSE section 39 pay restoration. [54234/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 486 together.
Under section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, Tusla may enter arrangements with organisations to provide child and family services or services associated with the care and protection of victims of DSGBV. Section 59 of the Act provides for similar arrangements through a grant or contribution in kind to non-profit organisations for services supplemental to those provided by the Agency. Such services are commissioned under a formal Service Level Agreement and assist Tusla to fulfil its statutory responsibilities and deliver on the Agency's strategic objectives.
Each organisation funded under these arrangements operate independently of Tusla. Each is responsible for the recruitment of employees, including Social Care Workers, and the terms and conditions under which individuals are employed. Section 56(14) of the Act of 2013 stipulates that ‘an arrangement under this section shall not give rise to an employment relationship between a service provider, its employees or agents on the one hand and the Agency on the other’.
Prior to the establishment of Tusla in 2014 some of the organisations now funded under section 56 were funded by the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2004. In October 2018 the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) reached agreement between the Department of Health and HSE and trade unions representing staff in certain section 39 organisations. Pay restoration in relation to organisations funded through section 39 was applied to organisations who met certain specific criteria. The criteria related to the organisations rather than types of individual workers that are employed in them. The criteria included only organisations who received in excess of an agreed, specified amount from the HSE by way of the Service Level Agreement process. Pay restoration was limited and solely applicable to those organisations included in the initial WRC agreement. This process has reached a final resolution and there is no scope to revisit eligibility criteria.
I am committed to working with colleagues in Government, Tusla and other service delivery partners to address the sustainability of voluntary organisations and ensure that we meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Ireland. I greatly appreciate the tremendous contribution made by the Community and Voluntary sector in supporting Tusla to deliver on its challenging mandate.
