Written Answers Nos. 250-264
250. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on a guardianship payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60891/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for Guardians payment has been received from the person concerned. In order to make a decision on the claim, the deciding officer must satisfy themselves that the child meets the legislative definition of an orphan under social welfare legislation. A child is considered an orphan if they are under 18 (or under 22 if in full time education) and both parents are deceased; or where one parent is dead and the other parent is unknown or has abandoned and failed to provide for the child.
The file has been forwarded to the social welfare inspector and as soon as the deciding officer has all the facts and information required to make a decision, the person concerned will be notified of the decision in writing.
In the interim, should the person concerned be experiencing financial difficulty they are advised to contact the Community Welfare Service in their local Intreo Centre, which may be in a position to provide them with financial assistance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
251. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of all payments made by her Department to a company (details supplied) for 2012 and 2013; and the breakdown of the payments by budget, that is, wages, utilities, rent, legal advice, accountancy, PRSI and exceptional payments to staff including a figure paid as an out of court settlements. [60894/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmployability West Cork has been contracted by the Department of Social Protection for the provision of employment services since 2012. The contracted spend for 2012 was €345,483.41 and for 2013 was €373,872.72. As the value of each of the 24 Employability service contracts are separately negotiated with each contractor and the breakdown of the contract value and costs remains commercially sensitive, it would therefore be inappropriate to provide further detail in relation to individual contracts.
252. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the date on which a company (details supplied) drew the attention of her Department to complaints and allegations against an employee of her Department; and if the employee’s attention was drawn to complaints and or allegations that formed part of a settlement with an employee of a company. [60895/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no record of any formal complaint and allegation against an employee of this Department received from the company referred to by the Deputy. If the Deputy has any additional information on this matter she is welcome to contact my office and she will be given contact details for the Divisional Manager in Cork who will be in a position to investigate any additional information provided.
253. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount expended by her Department in each of the past five years to date in 2021 on electricity costs in tabular form; and if she will provide an additional schedule that sets out all energy costs associated with their ICT hardware, that is, servers and so on in tabular form. [60945/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below shows the amount expended on electricity across the Department of Social Protection for each of the last five years including 2021 to date.
|
Year |
Total Electricity Spend€ (million) |
|
2016 |
3.603 |
|
2017 |
3.166 |
|
2018 |
2.961 |
|
2019 |
2.557 |
|
2020 |
2.973 |
|
2021 to date |
2.640 |
Regarding the total energy costs for all ICT hardware, servers etc. the table below shows the amount expended on electricity to power the locations housing the Department's two Data Centres (which serve all of the Department’s I.T. needs) and are located in Con Colbert House and Goldsmith House.
|
Location |
Year |
Total Electricity Spend€ (million) |
|
Con Colbert House |
2016 |
0.454 |
|
Goldsmith House |
2016 |
0.240 |
|
Con Colbert House |
2017 |
0.381 |
|
Goldsmith House |
2017 |
0.213 |
|
Con Colbert House |
2018 |
0.369 |
|
Goldsmith House |
2018 |
0.210 |
|
Con Colbert House |
2019 |
0.336 |
|
Goldsmith House |
2019 |
0.182 |
|
Con Colbert House |
2020 |
0.417 |
|
Goldsmith House |
2020 |
0.205 |
|
Con Colbert House |
2021 to date |
0.357 |
|
Goldsmith House |
2021 to date |
0.172 |
It should be noted that both Data Centres are housed in general-use office buildings and that the figures are for the entire building rather than just the Data Centres as these areas are currently not separately logged.
We have, however, based on energy consumption figures been able to estimate the costs associated with running the Data Centres in these locations. See table below:
|
Year |
Total Electrical Energy Consumption (TEEC) (kWh) |
Data Centre (59% of TEEC) |
Cost Estimate € (million) |
|
2016 |
2,932,468 |
1,730,156 |
0.12 |
|
2017 |
2,658,326 |
1,568,412 |
0.11 |
|
2018 |
2,675,539 |
1,578,567 |
0.11 |
|
2019 |
2,619,564 |
1,545,542 |
0.11 |
|
2020 |
2,488,921 |
1,468,464 |
0.10 |
|
2021 to date |
2,007,219 |
1,184,258 |
0.08 |
Con Colbert House, Cost Estimate = average €0.07 per kWh
|
Year |
Total Electrical Energy Consumption (TEEC) (kWh) |
Data Centre (55% of TEEC) |
Cost Estimate€ (million) |
|
2016 |
1,600,872 |
880,479 |
0.62 |
|
2017 |
1,512,110 |
831,660 |
0.58 |
|
2018 |
1,495,364 |
822,450 |
0.57 |
|
2019 |
1,399,743 |
769,859 |
0.54 |
|
2020 |
1,200,602 |
660,331 |
0.46 |
|
2021 to date |
946,841 |
520,762 |
0.36 |
Goldsmith House, Cost Estimate = average €0.07 per kWh
Covid 19 and the resulting need to adopt new work practices and to satisfy Public Health Guidelines has had an impact on our energy spend in 2020 for the following reasons:
- All DSP offices remained open in 2020 as DSP services are essential.
- The Department had to operate out of four additional locations to facilitate additional staff working on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment with social distancing.
- The PCs of remote working staff were permanently powered on to facilitate remote log on.
- In order to facilitate social distancing some offices operated on a shift basis which led to buildings needing to be heated, lit and ventilated for longer periods.
- The ventilation systems were operated for extended periods in all offices in accordance with public health advice.
- Many offices worked weekends and other extended hours to deal with the very high volume of claims.
- Despite staff working remotely, the utility cost of opening our offices is largely a fixed cost once there are staff throughout a building, even with reduced numbers.
From 2009 to end of 2020 the Department has achieved energy savings of 42% surpassing the 2020 Public Sector Energy target of 33%. The Department was awarded certification in ISO 50001:2018 Energy Management in June 2021. ISO 50001 is an internationally recognised standard in best practice energy management. The Department is the first Government Department to achieve accreditation in this standard.
254. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection when an application for a lone parent's payment will be processed for a person (details supplied) given the family is in considerable financial distress. [60978/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned was awarded a One Parent Family payment at the weekly rate of €355.00 from 25/11/21. Payment will issue directly into the customer's bank account on 9/12/2021 and will include arrears due of €200.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy
255. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on the review requested of the respite care grant application made by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60984/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Carer's Support Grant (CSG) is an annual payment for carers who look after a person in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to certain conditions, one of which is that a person in receipt of Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) or Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) or signing for credited contributions is stating that they are capable of and actively seeking full time employment, which is incompatible with providing full time care and attention to a person in need of such care. Accordingly, a person in receipt of JB or JA or signing for credited contributions is precluded by legislation governing the CSG from receipt of the Grant. Articles 225 (2)(b) and 225(2)(c) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005, as amended, refer.
An application for CSG was received from the person in question on 26 August, 2021. Her claim was refused on 21 October, 2021 as she had been signing for Jobseekers Credits from 17 August 2018 to 15 September 2021. She was notified of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
On 01 November, 2021 the person in question requested a review of the decision. The review of the decision is currently being examined and she will be notified of the outcome of the review shortly.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
256. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if the rate of partial capacity benefit payment being paid to a person (details supplied) will be increased from €101 to €144 per week given that this is the amount they were being paid before being cut off in error; and if the increased payment and arrears will be expedited. [60998/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen the Partial Capacity Benefit payment was reinstated in this case, the increases due in respect of the individual's children were omitted in error.
This error has been rectified and the person concerned is now being paid their full entitlement of €146.50 per week. Appropriate arrears have also issued to the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
257. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of a domiciliary care allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork [61017/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability. The child must need ongoing care and attention substantially over and above that usually needed by a child of the same age. It is not means tested.
The person concerned was notified on the 4th December 2021 that their Domiciliary Care Allowance has been awarded on appeal from the 1st October 2020. Arrears due for this period will issue with the December payment on the 21st December 2021.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
258. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61094/21]
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 Commission's Report, its Technical Sub-Committee's working papers, and submissions made to the Commission are available on the Commission’s website, pensionscommission.gov.ie.
The Commission’s Report is a comprehensive report that takes account of an assessment of various analyses of population, labour force and expenditure projections; an examination of international approaches; and responses to an extensive consultation process. It has unambiguously established that the current State Pension system is not sustainable into the future and that changes are needed, and it has set out a wide range of recommendations in this regard - including measures to increase Social Insurance Fund (PRSI) 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. I understand that both the Chair of the Commission, Ms. Josephine Feehily and the Chair of its Technical Sub-Committee, Ms. Roma Burke met with the Joint Committee on 17th November 2021. Officials from my Department also attended this meeting.
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 and holistically. 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.
259. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of home inspections that have happened in the past 12 months. [61111/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Inspectors are appointed under the Social Welfare Acts to investigate and report on claims. An Inspector’s report is then used to inform the Deciding Officer, who is also appointed under the Social Welfare Acts to make decisions on claims based on all the facts and evidence available. A record of facts and evidence relevant to an individual’s claim is maintained for the purpose of the decision-making process.
A Social Welfare Inspector will use his or her judgement in considering the most appropriate location for an interview in order to establish eligibility to the Department’s schemes. Interviews may be conducted in a customer’s home, in the Department’s offices or, for example, on a premises where employment is believed or suspected to be taking place.
However, I should emphasise that Social Welfare Inspectors may only enter a private home if invited. There is no statutory power of entry, unlike a workplace. If a customer does not wish to allow an Inspector to enter their private home, they may be requested by the inspector to make themselves available for interview at an alternative agreed location. It is important to understand that Social Welfare Inspectors work across the range of the Department's activities and that home visits could be required, for instance, to facilitate a customer who for various reasons (e.g. a disability) is unable to leave their home, or to review a case without which a delay in payment to the customer might occur. In many cases home visits are a more suitable way of interacting with the Department’s inspectors for customers.
During this COVID pandemic the Department is mindful of the safety of both Social Welfare Inspectors and customers and consequently all home visits are restricted at this time only to be undertaken in exceptional circumstances. The operating position remains under review in line with Government guidelines and the ongoing COVID situation.
Case specific information, including whether a site visit or home visit took place, is not recorded by my Department. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the information that the Deputy is seeking as the information requested is not available. However, and as the Deputy recently has discussed with some of the Department’s officials, the Department is examining how this information could be gathered and recorded to allow reporting on the number of home visits made by the Department’s inspectors.
260. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount expended by his Department in each of the past five years to date in 2021 on electricity costs in tabular form; and if he will provide an additional schedule that sets out all energy costs associated with their ICT hardware, that is, servers and so on in tabular form. [60932/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs requested by the deputy, the expenditure incurred by my Department in the last 5 years and to date in 2021 on electricity costs is shown below in tabular form.
|
Year |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
To date in 2021 |
Total spend for all years 2016 - 2021 |
|
Electricity |
€94,390.13 |
€86,492.25 |
€67,431.99 |
€105,574.56 |
€150,325.03 |
€105,582.45 |
€609,796.41 |
Figures provided above exclude any costs incurred directly by my Department's agencies and the figures relate to the expanded remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth following the transfer of functions in 2020.
It should be noted that the Department moved building in 2018 to Miesian Plaza and subsequent to this acquired additional office space in Montague Court as part of a transfer of functions process in 2020. I would also note that the figures above reflect the amounts paid which can be impacted by the timing of the payments with, for example, the figures for 2019 also including all Electricity costs related to Miesian Plaza for the period May to December 2018. These costs are managed by the Department of Health as lead tenant in the building.
In relation to your request for an additional schedule that sets out all energy costs associated with ICT hardware, that is, servers and so on in tabular form, we are not in a position to provide this information. From 2016 until May 2018, this Department's server infrastructure was on the premises in Mespil Road. However the electricity costs related to the server infrastructure etc. cannot be separated from the general electricity costs of the Department. From May 2018 until December 2019 the Department's server infrastructure was hosted by Department of Social Protection in Con Colbert Data Centre and there were no electricity costs paid by my Department in relation to that centre. Since December 2019 our infrastructure has been provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). Therefore we are not in a position to provide you with an additional schedule that sets out all energy costs associated with our ICT hardware.
261. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider creating a single central vetting procedure for teachers as an emergency measure to avoid schools and candidates having to repeat the vetting procedure for schools in circumstances in which candidates have already been vetted given the increased pressure on schools in recruiting teachers for substitute posts due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60956/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that I am not in a position to comment on these matters which are more appropriate for the attention of my Cabinet colleague, the Minister for Justice.
262. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of Montessori schools or early learning centres that closed in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if the closures were due to disputes with the landlords of the premises. [61107/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.
263. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the closure of a facility (details supplied) due to fire safety concerns of the landlords despite the premises being inspected by Tusla, Pobal and independent fire experts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61109/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBuildings that are intended for the purpose of Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare must meet all regulatory compliance requirements, including fire and planning requirements. Fire safety is, of course, of critical importance and services must take steps to address any immediate and significant risk to the health and safety of children due to fire. Compliance with these fire regulations is a matter for the local fire authority. Tusla also checks fire safety on inspection and looks for evidence of compliance with fire regulations at registration.
My Department allocated funding under the Annual Capital Programme 2021 to assist services complete any outstanding fire safety works required to complete re-registration with Tusla. A total of €5 million has been allocated across 643 services to carry out remedial works to ensure these services will be fully compliant with fire safety standards.
However, my Department is not directly involved in the day to day activities or decision making processes of individual service providers, whether they are for-profit private organisations or not-for-profit community organisations. Any dispute in relation to the cessation or extension of a lease is a matter between the building owner and the service owner.
Where early learning and care services close, parents can contact their local City or County Childcare Committee for advice on early learning and care options in their area. Details can be found on myccc.ie.
264. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if antigen tests will be provided for the childhood sector free; and if his attention has been drawn to a crèche (details supplied) that cannot afford antigen tests. [61112/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently working with the HSE to finalise an antigen testing programme for early learning and childcare services. My Department will announce more details on this before Christmas.
The antigen testing programme for early learning and childcare services will be similar to the antigen testing programme that has recently been rolled out in primary schools.
Antigen tests will be provided free to children and childcare workers who are in the same group, or pod, of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in an early learning and childcare service.
