Written Answers Nos. 349-370
350. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the total number of inspections carried out in primary schools by type of inspection for the period 1 September 2021 to the most recent data available in tabular form. [60555/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Inspectorate of my Department has continued to implement a focused programme of inspection, engagement and advisory support visits in schools and centres for education. This has continued throughout the Covid-19 period, as circumstances in schools have permitted.
In the period from 1 September to 30 November 2021, a total of 710 inspections and advisory/support engagements took place in Primary Schools. This included Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspections (CPSI), Supporting the Safe Provision of Schooling engagements (SSPS) and Incidental Inspections (II).
The Inspectorate also provided policy advice to sections of my Department in relation to ensuring continuity in learning, teaching and assessment for children and young people in primary schools. The Inspectorate also supported schools to provide for the wellbeing of their school communities since the start of the new school year in September 2021. Inspectorate engagements with schools also included advisory work in relation to the Gaeltacht Schools Recognition Scheme, School Excellence Fund (SEF) visits and School Self-Evaluation (SSE) visits to schools. As requested, the information is summarised in tabular format.
Table 1: Count of inspections in primary schools
|
Inspection Type |
Number completed from 01 September - 30 November 2021 |
|
Actions following Final Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection |
1 |
|
Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection - Final |
11 |
|
Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection - Initial |
15 |
|
Incidental Inspection |
295 |
|
Supporting the Safe Provision of Schooling (SSPS) |
276 |
|
Total |
598 |
Table 2: Advisory and support activity in primary schools
|
Advisory/Support Activity |
Number completed from 01 September - 30 November 2021 |
|
Advisory Scéim Aitheantais Scoileanna Gaeltachta (SASG) |
28 |
|
School Excellence Visit |
6 |
|
School Self-Evaluation (SSE) Advisory Session |
78 |
|
Total |
112 |
351. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the total number of inspections carried out in post-primary schools broken down by type of inspection for the period 1 September 2021 to the most recent data available in tabular form. [60556/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Inspectorate of my Department has continued to implement a focused programme of inspection, engagement and advisory support visits in schools and centres for education. This has continued throughout the Covid-19 period, as circumstances in schools have permitted.
In the period from 1 September to 30 November 2021, a total of 407 inspections and advisory/support engagements took place in Post-primary Schools. This included Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspections (CPSI), Supporting the Safe Provision of Schooling engagements (SSPS) and Incidental Inspections (II).
The Inspectorate also provided policy advice to sections of my Department in relation to ensuring continuity in learning, teaching and assessment for children and young people in Post-primary schools. The Inspectorate also supported schools to provide for the wellbeing of their school communities since the start of the new school year in September 2021. Inspectorate engagements with schools also included 35 School Self-Evaluation (SSE) visits to Post-primary schools. As requested, the information is summarised in tabular format.
Table 1: Count of inspections in post-primary schools
|
Inspection Type |
Number completed from 01 September - 30 November 2021 |
|
Actions following Final Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection |
1 |
|
Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection - Final |
3 |
|
Child Protection and Safeguarding Inspection - Initial |
14 |
|
Incidental Inspection |
193 |
|
Supporting the Safe Provision of Schooling (SSPS) |
161 |
|
Total |
372 |
Table 2: Advisory and support activity in post-primary schools
|
Advisory/Support Activity |
Number completed from 01 September - 30 November 2021 |
|
School Self-Evaluation (SSE) Advisory Session |
35 |
|
Total |
35 |
352. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education the supports that are available for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60564/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has published a frequently asked questions guidance on Monday to assist schools engage with parents where there are particular difficulties arising for individual children. The guidance provides that any engagement takes place in a spirit of partnership and co-operation to ensure the safety of the whole school community. While this public health measure is being implemented, it is not intended that any child will be excluded by the school. The guidance seeks a solution focused approach between school and parents to resolve any issues that may arise.
Where significant issues have not been resolved locally, contact should be made with the Department’s COVID-19 support helpline by email or by telephone and a Department Inspector will provide further support.
These measures have been implemented successfully at post-primary since September 2020 and it is envisaged that they will operate successfully with the support of school communities in the primary school setting.
353. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to mandate pandemic unemployment payments when they revert to being jobseeker’s for collection at post offices which among other issues would ensure that local economies would benefit from such a measure. [60412/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government continues to be committed to maintaining the post office network and for An Post to remain in a position to provide a high quality postal service and maintain a nationwide customer-focused network of post offices in the community. My Department’s support for An Post is equally apparent. We are in the process of renewing the contract for cash payment services with the company for another year. The current agreement allows me, as Minister, to extend the term of the contract on an annual basis up to the end of 2025.
The introduction of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), and the need to ensure payments quickly reached the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their employment as a direct result of public health restrictions, necessitated paying the majority of applicants by direct fund transfer into their bank account (EFT). This has been acknowledged by many stakeholders, groups and individual customers.
When the Government had to introduce public health restrictions in 2020, all those in receipt of Jobseeker payments were given the option of being paid by EFT. Only where jobseekers requested a change of payment method was their payment changed from the post office to EFT. My Department did not recommend a change of payment method nor actively promote such a change among Jobseekers. The process was driven by customer choice.
This change in payment method also reflects a wider societal shift away from cash and is reflective of a natural year-on-year reduction of post office payments on all Departmental schemes. It should also be noted that one in every five Jobseeker payments were paid via EFT prior to the pandemic.
As the country emerges from the worst of the pandemic and PUP scheme recipients are gradually migrating over to Jobseekers’ payments, my officials are reviewing the Department’s payment policy.
I am very conscious that a balance needs to be struck between the requirement to ensure that appropriate financial controls are in place while also considering the views of Social Welfare customers regarding their payment method choice.
354. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection the alternative that will be offered to staff in job clubs and if those staff who do transfer across to the new regional employment service will be covered by the transfer of undertaking. [60575/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra381. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if the transfer of undertakings directive will apply to workers currently employed in job clubs in cases in which they are offered employment by the successful bidders for the new local employment services. [60459/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 381 together.
My Department is now at an advanced stage in its first phase of procuring new employment services. This phase involves the procurement of regional employment services for seven counties in the Midlands and North-West across four lots, which aims to be operational from January 2022.
Procurement for the second phase, which will roll out services across the State, will commence shortly. This phase will see the commencement of new employment services in July 2022.
Two independent consultants’ reports commissioned by my Department recommended that Job Clubs and LES employment provision are combined into a single service provision in order to reduce duplication and to deliver a more efficient and effective employment service. The new Regional Employment Services has been developed in accordance with these recommendations and focuses on the provision of tailored employment services to those furthest from the labour market. The services currently provided by Job Clubs are included in the Phase one Regional Employment Service RFT that was published last May.
All Job Clubs have contracts in place until the end of 2021 and excluding the Job Clubs operating in the seven counties under phase one of the procurement process, all other Job Clubs have been offered contracts until the end of June 2022.
While several Job Club contract holders took part in bids for this new service in phase one, not all current contract holders in these counties either took part or were successful. In relation to the unsuccessful contract holders, it is my understanding that the successful bidders are engaging with these staff with a view to offering suitable employment with appropriate terms. My understanding is that discussions are ongoing and it would be inappropriate of me to make further comment in relation to the circumstances of the individuals concerned. However, this is a very positive development and will deliver the best possible option of retaining the expertise of those with long experience of engaging with the long-term unemployed.
In relation to Phase Two, my Department will continue to work to minimise barriers, for existing service providers, in tendering for the new employment service model. Existing contract holders are strongly encouraged to collaborate with other similar organisations to submit joint tenders under Phase Two.
355. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a supplementary welfare payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59799/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) is a weekly allowance paid to people who do not have enough income to meet their needs and those of their families. It is intended to be a short-term payment for those awaiting assessment of a primary social welfare payment.
The records of my Department reflect that the person concerned applied for a SWA with effect from 01/10/2021. On 05/10/2021 the person concerned was asked to provide further documentation in order to progress her application. The requested documentation was not received; therefore, an entitlement could not be determined and the claim was closed on 01/11/2021.
Following your representation, a new SWA application form has been posted to the person concerned. It is open to her to apply including all relevant documentation in support of her claim.
It will also be necessary for the person concerned to apply for a primary social welfare payment based on her circumstances.
Information relating to the schemes and payments administered by my Department is available at www.gov.ie/dsp.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
356. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if a back to education allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied). [59801/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Back to Education Allowance scheme (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for customers in receipt of certain social welfare payments wishing to pursue second or third level courses of education, subject to meeting the qualifying conditions.
BTEA is an administrative scheme approved by the Government.
The person concerned applied for Back to Education Allowance(BTEA) on 26th August 2021. The application was refused by a Deciding Officer on 20th September under the rules of the scheme as they were not commencing the first year of a course of study. As this is an administrative scheme decisions cannot be appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person concerned requested a review of the decision due to mitigating circumstances. In certain circumstances, the provision that a customer must be commencing the first year of a full-time course to be approved for BTEA can be waived. Documentary evidence to support the review was requested on 21st September and was not provided. The review was completed on 1st October and the Review Officer upheld the Deciding Officer's decision to refuse the application.
Mitigating circumstances can include a long-term illness or injury requiring prolonged absence from attendance at lectures, the serious illness of an immediate family member requiring the customer undertaking a caring responsibility, force majeure or discontinuance of the course by the educational institution. Documentary evidence from the college must be provided and in the event that a medical condition existed, supporting documentation from the doctor/specialist etc. may be required.
It is open to the person concerned to submit documentary evidence to support their case of mitigating circumstances if they are now in a position to do so. It will then be considered by a Review Officer.
357. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the wage subsidy scheme by reducing the number of hours that persons with disabilities need to work to qualify for this subsidy in the private sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59817/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough the Comprehensive Employment Strategy, the Government recognises the importance for people with disabilities of participation in employment. As part of the Strategy, my Department is committed to improving employment outcomes and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities. The supports provided by the Department of Social Protection have been designed to enable people with a disability to achieve their employment ambitions by focusing on the individual’s ability and capacity.The Wage Subsidy Scheme is a targeted incentive to encourage private sector employers to offer substantial and sustainable employment to people with disabilities by providing financial incentives to employers. The rationale in relation to the Wage Subsidy Scheme having a minimum of 21 hours is to increase the likelihood of people with disabilities obtaining and sustaining employment in the open labour market.
To receive a wage subsidy, the private sector employer must offer employment to a person with a disability to work for at least 21 hours per week and the subsidy is payable for a maximum of 39 hours a week. Employment contracts offered must be for a minimum of 6 months duration and the employee should be subject to and have the same rights as per the conditions of employment as any of the employer's other employees.
Currently, the basic rate of subsidy paid to the employer is €5.30 per hour. From January, as part of Budget 2022, this base rate will increase to €6.30 per hour giving an increased total annual subsidy available of €12,776 based on a 39-hour week.
Department of Social Protection supports have been designed to enable people with a disability to achieve their employment ambitions by focusing on the ability and capacity of the individual. The Department offers a range of supports to people with disabilities who may not be in a position to, or wish to, work full-time.
My Department’s employment support schemes for people with disabilities, including the Wage Subsidy Scheme, are kept under review to ensure that they meet their policy objectives. Any potential changes to these schemes can only be considered as part of the wider Budgetary and policy context.
358. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is planning to publish the report her Department commissioned from a company (details supplied) in 2019 in relation to the cost of disability in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59821/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department commissioned Indecon International Consultants to carry out research into the cost of disability in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits the Government to use this research into the cost of disability to individuals and families to properly inform the direction of future policy.
This matter is significantly wider than the income support system which is why a whole-of-Government perspective is being taken. There is not a single typical ‘cost of disability’, rather there is a spectrum from low additional costs to extremely high extra costs of disability, depending on the individual circumstances of the person with a disability. Additional costs of disability go across a number of areas of expenditure including housing; equipment, aids and appliances; mobility, transport and communications; medicines; care and assistance services and additional living expenses.
The report has been received and my Department has been considering it in detail. As part of this consideration, the Department briefed and sought the views of relevant Government departments which have a role to play in the delivery of disability services and supports. These included the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Department of Health, the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, the Department of Transport and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
This process is now complete and I intend to submit the report to Government for consideration shortly. A decision regarding the appropriate date of publication will be made once Government has had an opportunity to consider the report fully.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
359. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if special provision is being made to support those with long-Covid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59866/21]
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 or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work. This Department spent a total of €4.7 billion on illness, disability and caring payments in 2020.
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 this enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of Covid-19 is higher than the normal maximum personal rate for a limited period. This enhanced benefit 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 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 the spread of the virus, to keep the number of people affected to a minimum, and hence 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. Illness Benefit is the primary income support payment for people who are unable to attend work due to illness of any type and who are covered by Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions. Illness Benefit is payable for up to two years, depending on satisfying the eligibility conditions. Additional payments may 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.
My Department keeps the range of income supports under review in order to make sure they meet their objectives. Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
360. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will expedite a response to correspondence (details supplied) with regard to the issue of a PPSN reference number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59884/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has issued a letter with details of the Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) of the deceased individual referred to by the Deputy to the solicitor concerned on 30th November 2021.
My Department has put in place a dedicated email address, PPSNPROBATE@welfare.ie which solicitors can use to submit PPSN applications and Probate/Estate queries regarding PPSNs. Emails to this address are dealt with as expeditiously as possible by a dedicated team of staff from my Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
361. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the case of a person (details supplied) in relation to the back to education allowance; her further views on whether those caught in this situation due to the exceptional circumstances of Covid-19 should have their cases examined on a case-by-case basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59887/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments who pursue courses of education at second or third level.
A person wishing to pursue a course of study under the BTEA scheme must satisfy several conditions, including commencing the first year of a course of study. In the case of jobseeker payments, a Department Case Officer or Job Coach must have considered and recommended the application prior to a decision to allow BTEA as an appropriate progression path for the individual. Any person planning to undertake an education course should engage with their local Intreo Centre to assess the options available to them.
Full time students do not have an underlying entitlement to jobseekers and therefore do not qualify for BTEA. Under normal jobseeker terms, full time students are not available to apply for and receive jobseeker payments.
The Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Grant, payable by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, represents the primary support for people pursuing third level education.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
362. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of protected disclosures made to her concerning her Department and bodies under its aegis in 2018, 2019 and 2020. [59919/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection is committed to ensuring there is an appropriate and positive environment for addressing any concerns of staff in relation to wrongdoing in the workplace. It has an internal policy and procedures to deal with all submissions under protected disclosures that arise. The policy is published on www.gov.ie
The number of submissions received under the protected disclosures procedures were:
- 16 in 2018
- 9 in 2019
- 1 in 2020
363. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 605 and 606 of 2 November 2021, the number of new entrants to the State pension (contributory) post 1 September 2012 and prior to 29 March 2018 who were unaffected by the September 2012 changes; if the carer credit is the same as an earned credit for the purpose of a State pension (contributory) calculation other than there is a cap of 1,040 on carer credits. [59983/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplicants for State pension (contributory) with a yearly average of 40 or above were not affected by the September 2012 changes.
Applicants who were assessed with a yearly average within the 40-47 rate band continued to have entitlement to 98% of the maximum rate of State pension (contributory). Applicants assessed with a yearly average of 48 or over continued to qualify for the maximum rate of State pension (contributory). On this basis, according to the records of my Department there were 103,300 applicants who reached pension age between 1 September 2012 and 29 March 2018 whose rate of pension entitlement was not affected by the September 2012 rate band changes.
A carer’s credit is awarded, whereas an earned credit is earned. The State pension system gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role, through the award of credits and/or the application of the Homemaker’s Scheme (in the Yearly Average method for pension rate calculation) and/or the application of HomeCaring Periods (in the Aggregated Contribution Method of pension calculation).
PRSI credits are awarded to recipients of Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit where they have an underlying entitlement to credits. Credits are also awarded to workers who take unpaid Carer’s Leave from work.
The Homemakers Scheme was introduced with effect from 6 April 1994 to help homemakers and carers qualify for State pension (contributory). This scheme is applied as part of the yearly average calculation to those with eligibility from that date (unlike HomeCaring Periods in the recently-introduced Aggregated Contributions Method). The Homemakers’ Scheme allows up to 20 years (since 6 April 1994) spent caring for children under 12 years of age or for an incapacitated person(s) to be disregarded in calculating a person's yearly average number of contributions and credits, and for homemaker credits to be awarded for homemaking periods of less than a full contribution year.
HomeCaring Periods are included in the Aggregated Contributions Method, also known as the interim Total Contributions Approach, introduced by Government in 2018. This scheme makes it easier for a home carer to qualify for a higher rate of State Pension (Contributory). HomeCaring Periods can only be used under the Aggregated Contributions Method of pension calculation. HomeCaring Periods may be awarded for each week not already covered by a paid or credited social insurance contribution.
For the Aggregated Contributions Method, an applicant’s record is taken to mean the aggregate of paid contributions, credited contributions and HomeCaring Periods. There is a cap of 1,040 on the combined amount of HomeCaring Periods and credited contributions that can be used in calculating pension entitlement. Within this overall cap of 1,040 HomeCaring Periods and credited contributions, a maximum of 520 credited contributions can be used.
I hope this clarifies the matter.
364. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount provided in the form of electricity allowance payment under the households benefit package since 2011; the number of units of electricity that electricity allowance corresponds to in each year since 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59995/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits Package is paid to over 482,000 households at an estimated cost of €265m in 2021. Of this cost, €174m relates to the electricity allowance element. The Household Benefits package is a contribution towards the running costs of a household, it is not intended to meet these costs in full. Only one Household Benefits Package is payable per household.
The annual expenditure on electricity allowance as part of the Household Benefits Package from 2011 to 2021 is set out in the following table, which includes the number of units and unit rates in 2011 and 2012 before the payment structure changed in 2013.
|
Year |
Annual Electricity allowance expenditure (of HHB Package) |
No. of Units & Unit rate |
Annual value to customer*includes PSO Levy and Standing Charge |
|
2011 |
€179,251,000 |
January – 2,400 at €0.141September – 1,800 at €0.141October – 1,800 at €0.1619 |
€526 * €430 * €473 * |
|
2012 |
€176,740,000 |
Jan – Dec 1,800 at €0.1619 |
€473 * |
|
2013 |
€165,000,000 |
** new payment structure |
€420 |
|
2014 |
€154,550,000 |
€420 |
|
|
2015 |
€149,580,000 |
€420 |
|
|
2016 |
€157,410,000 |
€420 |
|
|
2017 |
€157,790,000 |
€420 |
|
|
2018 |
€155,460,000 |
€420 |
|
|
2019 |
€166,210,000 |
€420 |
|
|
2020 |
€171,998,000 |
€420 |
|
|
2021 |
€173,680,000 (estimate) |
€420 |
**The payment structure of the electricity allowance was changed from January 2013 moving from a unit-based allowance to a cash/credit allowance at €1.15 per day or, an average of €35 monthly, which was the best available market rate at the time. The new structure was designed to encourage customers to move between energy providers to attain the best value for their individual energy needs. Under the new structure, it also became possible to carry forward any unused entitlement, including when switching between energy providers.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
365. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will clarify the entitlement to the State pension (contributory) of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60002/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the records of my Department, the person concerned reached pension age on 16 December 2019 and has not yet applied for State pension. I have arranged for a copy of the person’s social insurance contribution record to issue to them, together with an application form for State pension (contributory). If the person concerned has any additional information to add to their contribution record they can contact Records Section, Department of Social Protection, McCarter's Road, Buncranna, Co Donegal.
Under current eligibility conditions an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment. Factors such as an individual’s social insurance record, their attachment to the workforce, and their countries of employment affect the rate of pension entitlement.
On receipt of a completed application, the person’s pension entitlement can be examined by a Deciding Officer and they will be notified of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position.
366. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of the expanded list of agri-environmental schemes that will attract a disregard in terms of farm assist from October 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60067/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 29th November I announced the publication of the Social Welfare Bill which will enact Budget 2022 measures. Included in this Budget Bill is provision for an extensive expansion to the list of Agri- Environmental schemes which will qualify towards the disregard of €2,540.
The measure will support the Government’s climate change agenda and will act as an incentive to farmers to participate in the schemes.
The additional Agri-Envirionmental schemes which qualify for a disregard, to be added to the existing ones are listed in the following table:
|
The Beef Exceptional Aid Measure |
|
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (2015-2020) (2017-2022) (2021) |
|
The Beef Environmental Efficiency Plan (BEEPS) ;as part of the Beef Sector Efficiency Programme |
|
The Dairy Beef Calf Programme; as part of the Beef Sector Efficiency Programme |
|
The Results Based Environment Agri-Pilot Programme |
|
The Sheep Welfare Scheme |
|
The Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme (2000-2006) (2007-2013) (2014-2020) |
|
The Ash Dieback Replanting Scheme |
|
The Creation of Woodland on Public Lands Schemes |
|
The Deer Tree Shelter and Deer/Hare Fencing Scheme |
|
The Forestry Grants and Premium Schemes (2014-2020) |
|
The Forest Genetic Resources Reproductive Material Scheme |
|
The Forest Road Scheme |
|
The Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group Scheme |
|
The Innovative Forestry Forest Technology: Central Tyre Inflation Scheme Module |
|
The Native Woodland Conservation Scheme |
|
The Neighbourwood Scheme |
|
The Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) |
|
The Woodland Improvement Schemes including Continuous Forestry Cover |
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy at this time.
367. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether it is fair that a woman who is in receipt of a widow's pension is only entitled to a half carer’s payment despite the fact she is caring for her daughter full-time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60165/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a comprehensive set of income supports for carers. These include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and the Carer's Support Grant. Through these schemes over 135,000 carers are supported by regular income payments. Spending in 2021 on these payments is expected to be approximately €1.5 billion.
There are a number of basic principles which underpin the Irish social insurance system, one of which is the general principle of one person, one payment, which applies across the social welfare system. People qualifying for two social welfare payments receive the higher payment for which they are eligible.
There are a limited number of exceptions in the social insurance system to the general principle of one person, one payment. In 2007 a half-rate Carer’s Allowance was introduced for certain people with another social welfare entitlement. Under these arrangements, people in receipt of certain social welfare payments (other than Carer’s Allowance or Benefit) who are providing full-time care and attention can retain their main payment and receive another payment, depending on their means, the maximum of which is equivalent to a half-rate Carer’s Allowance. Therefore, a person who has an entitlement to another social welfare payment, (for example Widow’s Pension) can retain that payment and continue to receive up to a half-rate Carer’s Allowance. These arrangements apply to almost all weekly social welfare payments and to people in receipt of qualified adult allowances. Recipients of Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit are not eligible given the job seeking nature of these payments.
It should be noted that payment of the Carer’s Support Grant is not dependent on means or social insurance contributions. This grant is paid automatically to people getting Carer’s Allowance (both at full rate and half-rate), Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance. Where an individual is not getting one of these payments, they can still qualify for the Carer’s Support Grant, providing they meet the qualifying criteria including the provision of full-time care and attention. In recognition of the vital role that carers provide in our society, I increased the Carer’s Support Grant by €150 as part of Budget 2021. The current new rate of €1,850 is the highest ever rate at which it has been paid since its introduction. Spending on the Carer’s Support Grant is estimated to cost over €265 million in 2021.
I can assure the Deputy that I am very much aware of the key role that family carers play in our society and I will continue to keep the range of supports available to carers under review. However, to pay full-rate Carer's Allowance along with another social welfare payment, as suggested, would involve a very significant step away from the 'one person, one payment' approach outlined earler, would involve significant additional expenditure and could only be considered in an overall Budgetary context.
368. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of a pandemic unemployment payment claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [60172/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) is available for employees and self-employed people who have lost employment and satisfy the scheme's statutory conditions. Expenditure on PUP since its introduction last March 2020 has now exceeded €8.9 billion.
To satisfy the eligibility conditions for PUP, a person cannot be engaged in insurable employment. This applies to both employees and the self-employed. A self-employed person should close their PUP if they are engaged in PAYE insurable employment.
There is flexibility provided to the self-employed to take up and receive payment for occasional or intermittent self-employment work while retaining their PUP. This measure has assisted people to maintain their business during the pandemic and provides that a person can earn up to €960 from self-employment over a previous eight-week period.
The person concerned is self-employed and works in the construction sector. They were in receipt of the PUP from 20 March 2020 to 4 June 2020 and from 3 July 2020 to 4 November 2021. Following a recent review of their entitlement, it was decided that they were not entitled to payment for the period from 2 July 2021 to 4 November 2021 on the basis that their income from self-employment exceeded the threshold of €960 over an eight-week period. This decision resulted in an overpayment of €5,850.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision and the overpayment amount on 30 November 2021 and was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision.
The person concerned has been in contact with the Department regarding the matter. They have been requested to provide further information from their accountant including personal bank statements. When this information is received, my Department will be happy to examine the matter further. They may also appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
369. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of the supplementary welfare allowance grant awards that were issued in respect of supporting clients with household costs relating to heating and electricity bills; the number of supplementary welfare allowance grant applications for assistance with heating and lighting bills that were refused over the past four years by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60232/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for Exceptional Needs Payments are made under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service in my Department.
The purpose of the Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) scheme is to assist people with essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure that a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The ENP scheme is demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
For households dependent on income support payments from this department, additional heating and electricity costs may present a significant challenge. Financial support in the form of an ENP may be available to assist with such costs. A Heating Supplement may also be paid to assist people in certain circumstances that have exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition and are unable to meet those costs out of household income.
Statistics are maintained on the number of applications awarded under the ENP scheme. Statistics are not maintained on the number of applications received or the outcome of those applications.
Anyone who wishes to make an application for a payment under the SWA schemes should contact the Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centre. There is a national Income Support Helpline in place - 0818800024 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
Table 1 shows the number of payments and expenditure on ENPs for heating costs and household bills, per county for each year 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021.
Note: These figures are taken from the Department's ENP database and represent a snapshot of ENPs as they are approved by an officer rather than when they are paid. The figures do not capture payments that are cancelled, payments that go out of date or overpayments recouped.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
370. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number and amount of supplementary welfare allowance grants in respect of kits for new homes; the number of grant applications for assistance grants in respect of kits for new homes that were refused by county over the past four years in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60233/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications for Exceptional Needs Payments are made under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service in my Department.
The purpose of the Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) scheme is to assist people with essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure that a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The ENP scheme is demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
Where a tenant cannot furnish their property from within their own resources, they can apply for an ENP to assist them. The level of furnishings and appliances required will depend on an assessment of size and nature of the proposed property, the expected level of occupancy and items already available to the customer. Every case is based on the individual circumstances/needs of the household.
Statistics are maintained on the number of applications awarded under the ENP scheme. Statistics are not maintained on the number of applications received or the outcome of those applications.
Anyone who wishes to make an application for a payment under the SWA schemes should contact the Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centre. There is a national Income Support Helpline in place - 0818800024 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
Table 1 shows the number of payments and expenditure on ENPs for new accommodation kit-outs, per county for each year 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021.
Table 1 - Number of Payments and Expenditure on ENPs for new accommodation kit outs 2017-2021, per county.
Note: These figures are taken from the Department's ENP database and represent a snapshot of ENPs as they are approved by an officer rather than when they are paid. The figures do not capture payments that are cancelled, payments that go out of date or overpayments recouped.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
