Written Answers Nos. 270-284
270. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the research and data material that was used by her Department for the purposes of measuring food poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23953/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no official food poverty indicator in Ireland. However, in 2012 the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) developed a measure which defined food poverty as the inability to have an adequate and nutritious diet due to issues of affordability or accessibility. This measure is derived using data collected as part of the annual Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC). For 2020, the achieved sample size for SILC was 4,243 households and 10,683 individuals.
Using this approach food poverty is measured by the percentage of individuals experiencing one of more of the following:
1. Unable to afford a meal with meat, or vegetarian equivalent, every second day. This indicator suggests severe food deprivation, and is one of the 11 deprivation items used for the consistent poverty measure.
2. Unable to afford a weekly roast dinner (or vegetarian equivalent). This indicator refers to the affordability of food, and in addition, the affordability of a cultural norm. While reference to a weekly roast may seem outdated, the indicator refers to those who cannot afford this. This item is also one of the 11 deprivation items used for the consistent poverty measure.
3. Missing one substantial meal in the last fortnight due to lack of money. This item, in its reference to the affordability of food, but not the quality or adequacy of it, refers to severe food deprivation. This item is not one of the 11 deprivation items used for the consistent poverty measure. Also, it is asked of all respondents over 16 years of age whereas the other deprivation items are asked at a household level.
Table 1: Percentage of the population experiencing food poverty
|
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
|
Food poverty rate (%) |
13.1 |
12.2 |
9.8 |
8.7 |
7.0 |
7.4 |
The most recent Survey of Income and Living Conditions data was published by the CSO last week (6 May 2022) which will enable the calculation of the most recent rate of food poverty based on these indicators.
271. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the research and data material that was used by the Working Group on Food Poverty in pursuit of its goals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra272. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the selected case study areas to be used in her Department’s research proposal to analyse the prevalence of food poverty; the drivers of food poverty that have been identified to date by his Department; the service providers and actors relating to food poverty in the State; the gaps identified by his Department in the service provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.
The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020 – 2025, which is a whole of Government strategy to reduce poverty and make Ireland one of the most socially inclusive countries in the EU, includes a commitment to ‘Develop a comprehensive programme of work to further explore the drivers of food poverty and to identify mitigating actions’ (Commitment 61).
The Food Poverty Working Group, which I chair, was established in April 2021 and aims to tackle the issue of food poverty in accordance with this commitment. The group met on four occasions in 2021 and has met twice this year to date. The group has focused on two pieces of work to date. The first is a high-level mapping exercise of programmes, services and supports across Government that address food poverty and provide supports in this area.
The second piece of work is the development of a research proposal. The group is aware that extensive research into food poverty exists, and any upcoming research and events are discussed at Food Poverty Working Group meetings. The following research was brought to the attention of the Working Group by its members in discussions of existing research:
- BFBD - Food Poverty Report: A fifth of Adults in Ireland Worry over Food Budget. Press release available here: www.kelloggs.ie/en_IE/who-we-are/press-release/food-poverty-report.html
- Dublin Region Homeless Executive (2021) On-Street Food Services in Dublin: A Review. Available at: On-Street Food Services in Dublin: A Review (homelessdublin.ie)
- FoodCloud 2021 research for tender: How community groups and charities supported people through the provision of food during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
- Friel, S., Conlon, C. (2004) Food Poverty and Policy. Available here: Food poverty and policy (lenus.ie)
- Healy, A.E. (2019) ‘Measuring food poverty in Ireland: The importance of including exclusion’, Irish Journal of Sociology, 27(2), pp. 105–127. doi: 10.1177/0791603519828313.
- Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA) provide excellent DAFM funded surveys, reports and publications. Available here: Iuna | About Us | Dietary Research | Nutritional Research
- Safefood (2021) What is the cost of a healthy food basket in Ireland in 2020? Available at: www.safefood.net/professional/research/research-reports/what-is-the-cost-of-a-healthy-food-basket-in-ireland
- Safefood 2021 research for tender: Communicating food poverty – understanding the current discourse on the island of Ireland
- Sugrue, D (2015) Food Poverty and Policy in Ireland: A Review of the Literature. Available at: www.ucdsmj.com/food-poverty
- United Nation (2015) Sustainable Development Goals -SDG2 Zero Hunger. Available at: sdgs.un.org/goals/goal2
The research proposal developed by the Working Group seeks to analyse the prevalence of food poverty in two case study areas: one urban and one rural. Broadly speaking, there are a range of known drivers of food poverty including: affordability; accessibility; sufficiency; and quality. However, this research aims to identify the drivers of food poverty in each case study area and examine the range of service providers and actors relating to food poverty in each area. It should also identify any gaps and overlaps in service provision. The findings from this research should further inform the delivery of commitment 61 of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion.
273. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a full State pension in their own right; and if their current welfare benefit is being paid at the correct rate. [23970/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the records of the Department the person has a total of 938 full rate paid and credited contributions for the period 1960/61 to 2010. This is equivalent to a yearly average of 18 which qualifies her for a reduced rate pension currently payable at €190.00.
A yearly average of 48 is required for entitlement to a maximum rate pension. The person’s total contribution figure includes 36 British contributions transferred from the British Department of Work and Pension. The person has a gap in her insurance record from 1971 to 2001, and this has resulted in her reduced yearly average.
The person is in receipt of the correct rate of pension based on the contribution history held by the Department. The person was sent a copy of her pension decision letter which includes a copy of her insurance record. If they consider that they have additional contributions that have not been recorded, it is open to the person to forward documentary evidence of the missing periods of employment to the Department and her pension entitlement will be reviewed.
It is open for the person to apply for state pension non-contributory if they wish to do so. This is a means tested payment which is based on household means.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
274. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons nationally who transferred from the pandemic unemployment payment to unemployment allowance benefit when the payment ceased. [23974/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was introduced in response to the unprecedented disruption to the labour market caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Over the course of the pandemic, over 880,000 individuals received support under the scheme.
Following the full lifting of public health restrictions earlier this year, the scheme has now been wound down. The phased closure of the PUP, which was initiated in October 2021, concluded at the end of March this year.
Following the final PUP on March 29th, the transition process to jobseeker terms for eligible PUP recipients commenced, with the first jobseeker's payments paid on 5 April.
As of the week of 3 April, there were some 33,400 people in receipt of a jobseeker's payment on the Live Register who had transitioned and were in receipt of a PUP within 31 days of their Live Register claim opening. In this regard, some 22,000 PUP recipients transferred to full jobseeker terms over the weekend of 26 / 27 March 2022.
Of the total 33,400, some 7,400 were in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance and 26,000 were in receipt of Jobseeker’s Benefit.
My Department is actively working to assist and support all those individuals that transitioned from the PUP to standard jobseeker terms back into employment.
275. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of labour activation officials working in Intreo offices across the country; and the locations of same. [23975/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmployment Services Managers are Assistant Principals (APs) responsible for the delivery of the Public Employment Services (including Activation services) within their respective Areas. Their Employment Services Areas span a number of Intreo Offices.
Their teams of Higher Executive Officers (HEOs) and Executive Officers (EOs) deliver Activation services.
There are a total of 394 officials delivering Activation services.
Table 1 below outlines the deployment of Activation officials by location and grade:
Table 1. Activation officials by grade and location
|
Intreo Centre/Location |
AP |
HEO |
EO |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Arklow |
|
2 |
2 |
|
Bray |
|
3 |
2 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
|
4 |
2 |
|
Central Back to Work Enterprise Allowance/Wage Subsidy Scheme Team |
|
15 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
|
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
1 |
24 |
6 |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Clondalkin |
|
4 |
2 |
|
Maynooth |
|
3 |
0 |
|
Newbridge |
|
7 |
4 |
|
Tallaght |
|
6 |
3 |
|
Total |
1 |
20 |
9 |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Ballyfermot |
|
3 |
2 |
|
Bishop's Square |
|
5 |
2 |
|
Cork Street |
|
4 |
|
|
Navan Road |
|
2 |
2 |
|
Nutgrove |
|
4 |
1 |
|
Parnell Street |
|
3 |
3 |
|
Total |
1 |
21 |
10 |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Balbriggan |
|
5 |
1 |
|
Ballymun |
|
2 |
1 |
|
Blanchardstown |
|
4 |
3 |
|
Coolock |
|
4 |
3 |
|
Finglas |
|
3 |
2 |
|
Kilbarrack |
|
4 |
0 |
|
Swords |
|
3 |
2 |
|
Total |
1 |
25 |
12 |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Cavan |
|
2 |
3 |
|
Drogheda |
|
4 |
2 |
|
Dundalk |
|
6 |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
|
2 |
1 |
|
Navan |
|
4 |
1 |
|
Total |
1 |
18 |
9 |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Ballybofey |
|
2 |
0 |
|
Buncrana |
|
3 |
1 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
|
2 |
1 |
|
Donegal Town |
|
1 |
2 |
|
Dungloe |
|
2 |
0 |
|
Letterkenny |
|
6 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
|
6 |
1 |
|
Total |
1 |
22 |
6 |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Killarney |
|
3 |
1 |
|
Kilmallock |
|
1 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
|
14 |
3 |
|
Listowel |
|
2 |
0 |
|
Newcastlewest |
|
5 |
1 |
|
Tralee |
|
5 |
1 |
|
Total |
1 |
30 |
6 |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Dungarvan |
|
1 |
0 |
|
Enniscorthy |
|
3 |
0 |
|
New Ross |
|
1 |
0 |
|
St. Peter's Square |
|
3 |
4 |
|
Waterford |
|
10 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
|
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
1 |
19 |
6 |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Cahir/Clonmel |
|
1 |
0 |
|
Carlow |
|
6 |
2 |
|
Cashel/Clonmel |
|
1 |
0 |
|
Clonmel |
|
2 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
|
3 |
1 |
|
Tipperary Town |
|
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
1 |
14 |
4 |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Bantry |
|
0 |
1 |
|
Carrigaline/Clonakilty |
|
4 |
1 |
|
City based covering East & City |
|
1 |
0 |
|
City based covering East & Nth Cork |
|
1 |
0 |
|
City based covering East Cork |
|
1 |
0 |
|
Cork City |
|
13 |
3 |
|
Cork City & East & South |
|
1 |
2 |
|
Cork City & East Cork |
|
0 |
0 |
|
North & West Cork |
|
3 |
0 |
|
Total |
1 |
24 |
7 |
|
Area |
Approved vacancy |
|
|
|
Birr |
|
1 |
0 |
|
Longford |
|
4 |
1 |
|
Nenagh |
|
4 |
0 |
|
Portlaoise |
|
5 |
1 |
|
Thurles |
|
3 |
2 |
|
Tullamore |
|
5 |
2 |
|
Total |
|
22 |
6 |
|
Area |
1 |
|
|
|
Athlone |
|
3 |
1 |
|
Ballina |
|
3 |
1 |
|
Castlebar |
|
4 |
2 |
|
Mullingar |
|
4 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
|
3 |
1 |
|
Westport |
|
2 |
1 |
|
Total |
1 |
19 |
7 |
|
Area |
Approved vacancy |
|
|
|
Clifden |
|
1 |
0 |
|
Ennis |
|
11 |
2 |
|
Galway |
|
11 |
4 |
|
Loughrea |
|
3 |
2 |
|
Tuam |
|
3 |
0 |
|
Total |
|
29 |
8 |
|
TOTAL |
11 |
287 |
96 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
276. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Social Protection if budgetary provision is being made for the social protection need of persons with long-Covid; the way in which her Department is planning for same; if her Department is liaising with other Departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23996/22]
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. Budgetary provision is not made in respect of any individual illness or disease.
In March 2020, 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 who are a probable source of infection with Covid-19.
My Department has liaised with the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to these emergency provisions, which require a Government Order for continued effect.
The rate of payment of the enhanced Illness Benefit payment in respect of Covid-19 is higher than the normal maximum personal rate of illness benefit, for a limited period. The enhanced rate is €350 per week, with additional payments in respect of dependent adults and children.
Expenditure on this payment amounted to almost €57 million in the period March to December 2020 and to €106 million in 2021. Expenditure in 2022, to end-April, was over €141 million.
The enhanced rate is payable for a maximum of ten weeks for those diagnosed with Covid-19. 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 contributions. It is payable for up to two years, depending on satisfying the eligibility conditions.
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 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.
277. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if the awards and funding from the Arts Council and other artistic bursaries, awards and grants will be excluded from the means test for the blind pension for artists with disabilities akin to the action taken to ensure that PhD students with disabilities retain their social protection payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24016/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra278. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if the awards and funding from the Arts Council and other artistic bursaries, awards and grants will be excluded from the means test for the disability allowance for artists with disabilities akin to the action taken to ensure that PhD students with disabilities retain their social protection payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24017/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra279. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the rationale for the vast difference of the savings and investments disregard between the blind pension, in which the first €20,000 is not included in the means test and the disability allowance, in which the first €50,000 is not included in the means test; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24018/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will harmonise the saving and investment disregard for the blind pension to that of the disability allowance; if she will detail the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24019/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra281. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will harmonise the treatment of people with disabilities who secure artistic funding, bursaries or grants to make it the same as for people with disabilities who secure PhD funding that is, Catherine’s law; if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24021/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 277 to 281, inclusive, together.
Disability Allowance and Blind Pension are means tested social assistance schemes, which are also subject to a medical assessment and habitual residency requirement.
Both schemes are structured to support recipients to avail of opportunities to pursue their own employment ambitions, be that self-employment or insurable employment. In the means test, both schemes have an income disregard of €140 per week. In addition, 50% of earnings between €140 and €350 are also disregarded, i.e., 50% of earnings in this band are disregarded for the purpose of the means test. Earnings above €350 are assessed in full.
Budget 2022 measures, will see from June:
- An increase in the upper disregard of €25 per week, from €350 to €375 for both payments
- An increase of €5.10 being applied to the general weekly means disregard entry point for the Disability Allowance. This increase will bring the entry point of the weekly means disregard for Disability Allowance in line with that of the Blind Pension, at €7.60 per week.
There are a number of scholarships, such as those awarded by certain charitable organisations, which are not assessed as part of the means test for any social welfare payment. These include payments under the 1916 Bursary Fund and under Higher Educational Scholarships for Adult Learners from Uversity, to a maximum of €7,000 per annum. Uversity is a registered charity that has been awarding Higher Education Scholarships to adult learners since 2018. In addition disregards were introduced for persons in receipt of the Disability Allowance and Blind Pension who have been granted a bursary, stipend or scholarship towards completing a PhD in 2021/22.
Legislation does not provide for a disregard for funding from grants for artists and as such, any awards made through these types of schemes are assessed as income in the means test.
Any proposed changes to the means test for schemes, would need to be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context.
In addition to the age at which a person becomes eligible, there are a number of other differences between the Disability Allowance and Blind Pension schemes, for example, relating to aspects of the means test, taxation, access to the Free Travel Scheme and eligibility for concurrent payments.
With regards to capital in the assessment of means, my Department uses a formula, which is set out in legislation, to calculate a person's weekly means from capital. For Blind Pension, and most other social assistance schemes, the formula is as follows: the first €20,000 is fully disregarded, the next €10,000 assessed at €1 per thousand, the next €10,000 is assessed at €2 per thousand, with the remainder assessed at €4 per thousand. The capital assessment formula applying to Disability Allowance is unique in the social welfare system, in that the first €50,000 is fully disregarded; the next €10,000 assessed at €1 per thousand, the next €10,000 is assessed at €2 per thousand, with the remainder assessed at €4 per thousand. (The €50,000 capital disregard is being extended to the Carer's Allowance payment in June 2022.)
Under Pathways to Work (2021 – 2025) the Government has committed to “Review the current long-term disability payment schemes with a view to removing inconsistencies/anomalies and ensure that they recognise the continuum of disabilities and support employment.” I would hope to bring forward proposals on this issue for public consultation later this year.
282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for a carer’s benefit has been received in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24090/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.
To qualify, the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
Before a decision can be made on entitlement to Carer’s Benefit (CARB), evidence must be provided in respect of the care recipient’s care requirement, the level of care the carer provides, the carer’s hours of employment and their PRSI record.
An application for CARB was received for the person concerned on the 5 May 2022. Additional information in relation to the person’s application has been requested by a deciding officer.
Once the information is received the application will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
283. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) who wishes to remain anonymous in respect of the process by which their adoption information was sent to their house without prior notification and the subsequent issues it has caused; if a policy of pre-notification can be put in place for such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23909/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.
284. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the up-to-date position of the national service to support the parents of children in the care of the State. [24004/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, has advised that it commissioned a scoping exercise to be carried out in relation to possibilities for improved support and services for parents of children in care. Tusla recognises that while there are some localised examples of very good practice in this regard, there has not been a uniform approach applied throughout the country to date.
At the request of Tusla's Chief Executive Officer, the Children's Rights Alliance carried out focused engagements and consultations, and examined current thinking on this issue. Tusla has advised my Department that a tendering process is in its late stages, with the intention of selecting a service provider to expand the range of nationwide supports for parents of children in care.
Tusla has advised that it is likely that this initiative will take some years to build up incrementally, and has indicated that if an appropriate model can be identified, funding for the project may be available for a number of years.
