Robert Troy
Ceist:371. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will urgently review the financial assessment element of the carers allowance application (details supplied). [60234/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Code
Ceisteanna (371)
Freagraí scríofa
The system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.
In Budget 2022, I announced significant improvements to the means test for Carer's Allowance, in recognition of the vital role that carers play in society.
The general weekly income disregard for Carer's Allowance will be increased from €332.50 to €350 for a single person, and from €665 to €750 for a couple. This will enable more carers with modest incomes to become eligible for the scheme, and those currently in receipt of a reduced payment may now receive a higher payment.
The capital disregard will also be increased from €20,000 to €50,000 for Carer’s Allowance. This will allow carers who have accumulated relatively modest savings, often to provide care for a loved one, to retain an entitlement to Carer's Allowance.
In addition to these changes to the means test, all recipients of a weekly carers payment will see a €5 increase from January. Those with children will also see an increase in the qualified child payment - €2 increase for children under the age of 12, and €3 for children aged 12 and over - bringing these payments to €40 and €48 per week respectively.
By its nature, the means test takes account of the income a person or couple has in terms of cash, property - other than the family home - and capital. It does not take account of a person’s expenditure.
Introducing a rent or mortgage disregard for Carer's Allowance would have significant budgetary implications and would give rise to inconsistencies in how means tests are applied across schemes. It would also significantly increase the complexity of the means assessment. Any changes in this regard would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.
Social Insurance
Ceisteanna (372)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:372. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding PRSI on occupational pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60264/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Pensions Commission was established, inter alia, to develop options for Government to consider in addressing the sustainability of the State pension system and the social insurance fund. The Commission has completed this work and its report was published on the 7th October 2021. 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 very 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.
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. The report has been referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection and the Commission for Taxation and Welfare for their views. I will also work with my officials over the coming months to examine each of the recommendations carefully and will consult with colleagues in Government through the Cabinet Committee system. I intend to bring a recommended response and implementation plan to Government by the end of March 2022. I think it is important that we complete that work before reaching conclusions.
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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (373)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:373. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the State pension (contributory) at each of the six current bands of payment (details supplied); the number of qualified adults under 66 and the number of qualified adults aged 66-plus for each of the six bands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60272/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Data on all November recipients of the State Pension Contributory (SPC) are set out in the table below. It should be noted that the figures here refer to the rate of payment only. It is not currently possible to disaggregate the payment rates according to the contribution bands mentioned by the Deputy. It is estimated that 100,000 people in receipt of SPC at below the maximum rate retired prior to 1 September 2012, when these Yearly Average rate bands were first introduced.
Table 1: SPC recipients by Payment Rate and Qualified Adult Age
|
Rate of Payment |
Qualified Adult Under 66 |
Qualified Adult 66 or older |
No Qualified Adult |
Total |
|
€ 99.20 |
45 |
104 |
2,068 |
2,217 |
|
€ 161.80 |
163 |
290 |
5,105 |
5,558 |
|
€ 211.40 |
383 |
524 |
15,371 |
16,278 |
|
€ 223.20 |
583 |
511 |
14,035 |
15,129 |
|
€ 243.40 |
954 |
4,066 |
38,165 |
43,185 |
|
€ 248.30 |
7,901 |
19,365 |
187,921 |
215,187 |
|
Other Amount |
902 |
19,312 |
146,947 |
167,161 |
Community Employment Schemes
Ceisteanna (374)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:374. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the issue arising from a specific matter (details supplied) relating to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60304/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors have been seeking for several years, through their union representatives, SIPTU and Forsa, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme for CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors who are employed by CE scheme sponsors. This claim creates some difficulties because the State is not the employer of the CE supervisors.
Within this context, officials from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform held discussions on proposals to progress and resolve this complex issue, while having regard to the wider budgetary framework. Department officials also held discussions with unions representing CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors.
At the start of April this year, agreement was reached between the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Social Protection on proposals to resolve the long-standing issue. These proposals included a financial package.
Since that time, discussions on these proposals took place between my Department and the unions representing CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors, in consultation with other relevant Government Departments; the Department of Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Finance.
Department officials wrote to both SIPTU and Fórsa recently setting out the terms of a full and final settlement which will involve a once off ex-gratia payment to CE supervisors and assistant supervisors on reaching pension age. The total value of the financial package now on the table is in excess of €24 million.
The scheme will apply to CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors who have retired since 2008, subject to qualifying criteria, and has the potential to benefit up to 2,200 existing and former CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors.
This proposal is currently under consideration by the representative unions. As such it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (375)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:375. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a fuel allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60349/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned has been awarded a fuel allowance at the weekly rate of €33.00 effective from the 29th October 2021, in addition to her widow's contributory pension.
The person concerned will receive her first payment of the allowance, together with arrears, at her chosen Post Office on Friday 10th December 2021, and weekly thereafter.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (376, 377, 380)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:376. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of participants who have begun a placement on the work placement experience programme scheme; the number currently ongoing; the number of placements which have ended or ended early; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60402/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul Murphy
Ceist:377. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of complaints which have been received by her Department from participants on the work placement experience programme scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60403/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul Murphy
Ceist:380. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of workplace visits that have been carried out by her Department to employers with work placement experience programme scheme participants working for them to ensure they are meeting the standards of the scheme; if she will publish the findings of these checks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60406/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 376, 377 and 380 together.
The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) is a key policy initiative under the Government's new national employment services strategy; Pathways to Work 2021-2025. WPEP is a funded work placement scheme to provide work experience opportunities for up to 10,000 jobseekers who are unemployed for more than six months, including time spent on the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP). Participation on WPEP is entirely voluntary. All participants are paid €306 per week plus any social welfare increases for qualified adults and children.
As of 30th November, 166 participants commenced a placement on WPEP. Of these 148 placements are currently active. An additional 13 placements are approved and are due to start shortly. 18 participants have finished their WPEP early due to a variety of reasons, including finding employment.
There have been two complaints from participants to date:
- One applicant complained about a delay in the application process, that arose as the host appeared not to be eligible
- There has been one substantive complaint relating to the placement where a participant had a complaint in relation to a work issue which was brought to the attention of the relevant case officer. In discussions with the participant, despite other work placement options being available, the participant decided to end their placement early.
As part of WPEP monitoring an assigned case officer liaises with the host and the participant during the placement. The Case Officer undertakes two monitoring meetings: early in the placement and again towards the end. These may be in person or virtual. Their purpose is to ensure that the terms and conditions are being fulfilled e.g. that a mentor is assigned to support the participant, that the Personal Learning Plan (PLP), Personal Learning Journal (PLJ) and monthly compliance checklist are being completed and that both parties are satisfied with the progress of the placement. The Case Officer will be available to provide advice and support to both the host and the participant during the placement. To date 63 of the first monitoring reviews have been completed and a further 98 are pending.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
Question No. 377 answered with Question No. 376.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (378, 379)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:378. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of placements advertised by employers under the work placement experience programme scheme that have been rejected or removed by her Department due to the fact they did not meet the standards required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60404/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul Murphy
Ceist:379. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of placements advertised by employers under the work placement experience programme scheme that have been removed at the request of the employer; the reasons cited for requesting the placement be removed by the employer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60405/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 379 together.
The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) is a key policy initiative under the Government's new national employment services strategy; Pathways to Work 2021-2025. WPEP is a funded work placement scheme to provide work experience opportunities for up to 10,000 jobseekers who are unemployed for more than six months, including time spent on the pandemic unemployment payment (PUP). Participation on WPEP is entirely voluntary. All participants are paid €306 per week plus any social welfare increases for qualified adults and children. Increases will be paid to participants from January 2022 on foot of Social Welfare Budget 2022 announcements.
In advance of advertising any placement opportunity, host organisations’ tax compliance is verified by the Department. Host organisations must have appropriate insurance and health and safety measures in place and accept the terms and conditions of the programme.
The scope of the work experience on offer for each placement is reviewed in advance to ensure that it is in line with the objectives of the programme. In addition, placements must provide training opportunities, including workplace training and accredited training as part of the programme. Options include a new accredited work placement award which will be delivered by the Education and Training Boards at levels 3, 4 and 5. All host organisations must also demonstrate that they can provide supervision and mentoring to participants.
Host organisations and individual placements are vetted in order to ensure that they satisfy these WPEP eligibility criteria. Since the launch of the programme 250 placements have not been approved due to not meeting the required criteria. This can include any of the above elements.
As of 2nd December 2021, 341 WPEP placements that had been advertised on JobsIreland were closed. Where placements are advertised, they may be closed for a variety of reasons:
- the primary reason is where a jobseeker has been selected by the host and approved for placement taken up a placement immediately or for a future date.
- placements automatically close if they have not been filled within a given period - 56 days. In such cases, organisations may choose to re-advertise the placements
- the host does not wish to progress with their placement offer.
The Department does not track the reasons for the closure of work placements at an individual level, where hosts do not wish to proceed with their placement offer as host organisations can close an offer directly on-line without needing to give reasons.
There are currently 98 WPEP positions currently advertised on JobsIreland.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
Question No. 379 answered with Question No. 378.
Question No. 380 answered with Question No. 376.
Question No. 381 answered with Question No. 354.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (382)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:382. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability claim by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60499/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Disability allowance (DA) is a means tested scheme and the way means are assessed is laid down in social welfare legislation. In summary, any income, with some exceptions, belonging to the person is assessable as means for DA purposes.
The person in question was disallowed DA on 8 July 2019 as they failed to provide sufficient information in order for a Deciding Officer to determine that their means did not exceed the statutory maximum allowed under the DA scheme. They failed to supply information requested relating to a trust fund.
Subsequently they appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). Following due consideration, the appeal was disallowed by an appeals officer (AO) on 4 October 2019. They was notified of this decision in writing by the SWAO on the same date. An AO’s decision is final and conclusive, in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.
It is open to the person in question to reapply for DA. The Department has not had correspondence from the person in question in relation to their DA application since 2019. If they would like to email directly to the DA scheme area the email address is DA_InetInfo@welfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (383)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:383. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason no school in Ballymun, Dublin 11, is included in the hot meals programme given that all schools in the area are DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60520/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
A budget of €65.1 million has been provided for the scheme in 2021.
Participation in the scheme is entirely voluntary with the onus being on the individual eligible schools to make an application and to administer the programme in accordance to the guidelines. Funding is strictly for food items only, which must be of suitable nutritional quality.
As part of Budget 2019, funding was provided for a pilot scheme from September 2019, providing hot school meals in primary schools at a cost of €1m for 2019 and €2.5m in 2020. The pilot involved 37 schools benefitting 6,744 students for the 2019/2020 academic year and was aimed primarily at schools with no onsite cooking facilities.
Budget 2021 provided an additional €5.5m 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 (612 DEIS and 93 non-DEIS) in November 2020. Some 28 schools in the Dublin 9 and Dublin 11 areas were invited to submit an expression of interest. There were no expressions of interest received from the schools in Ballymun.
A total of 281 (256 DEIS and 25 non-DEIS) 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.
Budget 2022 is providing for the hot school meals to be extended from January 2022 to the 81 DEIS schools that submitted an expression of interest but were not selected in the extension to 35,000.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Public Services Card
Ceisteanna (384)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:384. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the backlog that has developed in issuing public services cards which require public attendance; the current waiting time; and the measures are being taken to end same. [60521/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The SAFE registration process, which involves the authentication of a person's identity in a face-to-face interview, results in the issuing of a Public Services Card (PSC), which can be used as proof of identity when accessing public services.
At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department temporarily suspended the SAFE registration process and the centralised online appointment system used to manage those interviews. This decision was taken in order to comply with HSE and World Health Organisation guidelines in respect of social distancing thus ensuring a reduced footfall in our offices, to protect the health and wellbeing of our customers and staff. SAFE registrations resumed in May this year and my Department carries out an average of 1,000 PSC appointments each day, across its nationwide office network.
My Department's capacity to accommodate these interviews is lower than was the case pre-pandemic, due to the social distancing measures that are applied to protect customers and staff.
Requests for appointments are dealt with at a local level across the Department's network of offices. In most parts of the country, appointments are available within a number of days. Offices based in large urban areas are facing higher demand. In the majority of these offices the waiting time for a PSC appointment is between 1 and 4 weeks.
Urgent requests for a PSC appointment are dealt with on a local basis, and any person who requires a PSC should contact their local INTREO Centre where an appointment will be made for them at the earliest opportunity.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Personal Public Service Numbers
Ceisteanna (385)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:385. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedure for registering a birth and issuing a PPS number to a newborn child; and if she has considered ways in which this could be streamlined to make it easier for parents. [60522/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Civil Registration Act 2004 places an obligation on parents to register the birth of their child. A child can be registered in person at any of the HSE's civil registration offices throughout the country. Following completion of the birth registration, the Department of Social Protection automatically allocates a personal public service number to the child no earlier than the day after the birth registration but within the following 48 hours and informs the parents in writing. There is no requirement for any actions by the parents in the PPSN allocation process. Birth registration also automatically triggers the issue of an application for Child Benefit or adjusts the Child Benefit payment due to the family if there are other children in the family. This is done immediately following the allocation of the PPSN.
The process by which the PPSN is allocated is already automated and functions well. I have been informed by the General Register Office that it plans to bring forward proposals to improve access to registration services without the need for a person to attend in person to register a birth, marriage or death. I look forward to considering these proposals, for which enabling legislation will be required, in due course.
I hope this addresses the question raised.
Post Office Network
Ceisteanna (386)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:386. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give detailed consideration to the issues outlined by a representative organisation (details supplied) that come within the remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60523/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This 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.
In March, the Government established an interdepartmental group to explore the potential of a One Stop Shop approach for the delivery of Government offline services. The group is co-chaired by the Departments of the Environment, Climate and Communications and Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Department of Social Protection has actively participated in the Group’s discussions and my officials have proposed a number of Social Welfare services which could be delivered by the post office network. A draft report has been prepared and it is expected that the two lead Departments will finalise the report shortly.
While the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications has responsibility for An Post, I also take a keen interest in the post office network given that the company delivers over a quarter of all Social Welfare payments to the Department of Social Protection’s customers, but also as I have responsibility for rural affairs and community development.
Throughout the pandemic, post office staff have delivered this service while working under difficult conditions. My Department and I are very appreciative of the sterling work carried out by those working in post offices which ensured that a full range of services continued to be delivered to the public during the last 20 months.
I am acutely aware of the matters raised by the Irish Postmasters’ Union in their letter to you as my officials and I held meetings with both An Post and with the Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) last month to discuss these issues.
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, including both the IPU and An Post during my recent meetings with them.
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (387)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:387. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if special provision is being made to support those forced into absences from work due to caring for children contracting Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59866/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (388)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:388. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the rules for face masks for primary school children apply to afterschools; when guidelines on face masks will be available to the childcare and afterschool sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60368/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Throughout the course of the pandemic, very few outbreaks of Covid-19 have been detected in early learning and care (ELC) or school-age childcare (SAC) settings. In the current stage of the pandemic, we are experiencing a high incidence rate of Covid-19 in children aged 5-12 years. It is often difficult to detect Covid-19 outbreaks in ELC/SAC or school settings due to the relative lack of symptoms in children, and therefore asymptomatic spread of Covid-19 may be occurring in these settings. In order to try and reduce transmission among these age groups and among ELC/SAC sector and school staff, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and the Government issued Interim Guidance on the use of face coverings in Childcare and Educational Settings on 30th November 2021.
This latest advice recommends the wearing of face masks/coverings in children in the following situations:
- Children aged 9 years and over on public transport, in retail and other indoor public settings, with exemptions as appropriate
- Children in third class and above in primary educational settings
- In certain situations, the use of clear visors should be considered, for example staff interacting with children with hearing difficulties or learning difficulties. However, it is accepted that visors are less effective than face-coverings in preventing transmission.
A memo was issued by my Department on 2nd December to ELC and SAC providers, including childminders, based on the updated advice published on 30th November. The memo noted that:
- At this point in time, there is no change in the public health guidance on adults wearing masks in ELC/SAC settings: staff members, parents and visitors should all wear face masks/coverings when not caring for children and where social distancing is not possible.
- In line with the Interim Guidance issued on 30th November, it has been advised that children 9 years of age and older should wear face masks/coverings when it does not interfere with their care and active engagement.
- On this basis, the use of face masks/coverings for children 9 years of age and older in ELC/SAC settings is not mandatory but advised. Therefore, settings will have to use their professional judgement in relation to operationalising the guidance in consultation with parents.
- During transport to and from ELC and SAC services, face masks/coverings should be worn by children over 9 years of age where this is not a barrier to communication with the driver or those caring for them.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has stated that cloth face coverings should not be worn by any of the following groups:
- Children aged less than 9 years of age in primary educational settings or pre-school.
- Any person with difficulty breathing or other relevant medical conditions.
- Any person who is unconscious or incapacitated.
- Any person who is unable to remove the face-covering without assistance.
- Any person who has special needs and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing the face covering, for example persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory concerns or tactile sensitivity.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (389)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:389. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of a humanitarian visa under the Irish refugee protection programme for persons (details supplied); and if the application will be expedited in view of the circumstances of the case. [60383/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Some 500 places were made available for humanitarian cases from Afghanistan through the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. This is being kept under review.
The Department of Justice is responsible for visas for travel to Ireland, including in cases where people wish to join a family member residing in Ireland. Visa applications for family members need to be made online. The Department of Justice is prioritising family reunification applications for Afghan international protection beneficiaries and visa applications for the family members of people residing in Ireland, who are currently based in Afghanistan.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (390)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:390. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department plans to undertake a comprehensive and structured review of all aspects of fostering in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59802/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The vast majority of looked after children in Ireland reside in foster care and as of August 2021, this equated to over 90% of all children in care, a figure that compares favourably with our European neighbours.
The operation of the foster care system is the subject of ongoing review in my Department. Officials within the Department engage with Tusla and other stakeholders on a regular basis with the aim of continuously improving the processes and structures within the alternative care system, including foster care.
All foster care services are subject to inspection by the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA). Inspection reports of fostering services are reviewed and analysed by Department officials. The overview of these reports provides the Department with the capacity to keep the processes and structures surrounding foster care under constant review.
In addition considerable progress has been made in alternative care provision, through the delivery of a significant reform agenda in Tusla, underpinned by a substantial and high-quality evidence basis.
My focus is also on ensuring that legislation relating to looked-after children is child-centred, and fit for purpose in a modern Ireland. In 2017, Department Officials commenced a process to revise and update the Child Care Act 1991. This complex work is currently ongoing, following a consultation process that began in 2020 and enabled key stakeholders to inform and influence the development of this landmark piece of legislation. The legislation governing foster care provision forms part of this review.
In addition to the foregoing, any findings or recommendations from the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, the Ombudsman for Children, or any other relevant sources that relate to foster care are considered by my Department, with a view to informing continuous improvement of the service.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (391)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:391. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the fostering allowance; his views on whether the allowance must be increased and index-linked; if he plans to review the allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59803/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The foster care allowance was last increased on January 1st 2009, and there is no plan currently to increase this. Foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. It is paid in respect of the child and provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sports activities. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.
Tusla pay an enhanced rate of the foster care payment where specific criteria around the additional needs of the child are met.
In addition to the foster care allowance, foster carers receive a number of targeted supports to ensure they continue to function as a recognised and valued part of the alternative care system. Key elements of this support include a link social worker, access to training and support group meetings and the allocation of a social worker for each child in care. Respite care for children may be arranged if it is part of their care plan.
Pre-assessment and ongoing training are compulsory for foster carers in order to equip them with the skills and knowledge to provide high quality care. Recognising the specific dynamics and the personal nature of relative care, Tusla addresses the training needs of relatives who are foster carers separately. In addition, Tusla provides funding for the Irish Foster Care Association which offers a range of supports to carers, including advocacy, mediation, training and a telephone advice service.
The foster care allowance is one element of the support that Tusla provides to carers when they offer a home and care to children some of whom may have additional, and sometimes significant, needs.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (392)
Gerald Nash
Ceist:392. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if specific payments or allowances are paid to foster families who provide care for a child with additional needs in order to assist in defraying additional costs that might be associated with supporting a child with certain conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59805/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The legislative basis for payments to foster parents is set out in the Child Care (Placement of Children in Foster Care) Regulations, 1995. Article 14 of the Regulations stipulate that the allowance payable to foster carers shall not be less than an amount stipulated by the Minister.
Presently foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. It is paid in respect of the child and provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sports activities.
There are two ways in which additional financial support can be provided to foster carers, namely additional and enhanced payments.
Additional payments refers to any payment made to a foster carer that exceeds the standard rate of the fostering allowance. Such additional payments may be made in respect of children or young people who have additional needs that are not covered by the standardised fostering allowance. Additional payments can only be made where a child has additional medical or educational needs and when authorisation has been received from the Tusla Area Manager. Each application for an additional payment will be accompanied by supporting documentation evidencing the need.
Enhanced allowances for foster carers can be made when a longer term financial need is identified for additional supports for the child. A maximum of twice the weekly allowance may be paid in respect of children aged between 0-18 years if they require significant care over and above the needs of other children in foster care. This includes children who have been diagnosed with significant special needs and require a high level of personal care and supervision. The purpose of considering an enhanced allowance in these cases is to support foster carers in providing care to these children who have additional needs. The foster care allowance is in respect of and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after the foster child and therefore in considering any enhanced allowance there exists a requirement for the assessing social worker to evidence that the standard fostering allowance does not adequately provide for the cost of caring for the child.
A request for enhanced supports must certified by the Principal Social Worker and approved by the Area Manager following submission of an assessment of the child’s needs and supporting documentation. A review arrangement for the enhanced allowance must be part of the submission for approval.