Written Answers Nos. 128-142
128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current or expected positive outcomes of the labour market in the aftermath of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24497/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on the Irish labour market for much of the last two years. In April 2020, the COVID-19 adjusted unemployment rate – which included all those in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) – peaked at 31.5 percent.
However, since the acceleration of the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign in mid-2021 which facilitated widescale economic and societal reopening, the Irish labour market has been experiencing a sharp recovery. According to the most recent Labour Force Survey results from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), approximately 2.5 million people were employed in Q4 2021, exceeding the pre-pandemic level.
With respect to unemployment, latest figures from April 2022 indicate that the seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate has now fallen to 4.8 percent. Similarly, I am pleased to report that youth unemployment rate estimates have been falling month-on-month and are currently at their lowest level in over 20 years at just 5.6 percent. This is an especially welcome development given the particular initial impact of the pandemic and associated public health restrictions on the employment outcomes and opportunities for our young people.
I am pleased to note also that Ireland’s labour force participation rate is also higher than pre-pandemic at 65.1 percent, and in particular, I welcome the marked increase in female participation. I expect that innovations and lessons learned with respect to the adoption of remote working have significantly contributed to this increase and allowed more people, previously outside of the labour market, to take-up employment.
Following the full lifting of public health restrictions earlier this year, Government’s emergency COVID-19 income and employment supports – the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) – have gradually been wound down. Following the PUP payments on 29 March, the transition process to full jobseeker terms for all remaining PUP recipients commenced with the first jobseeker payments, for this cohort, paid on 5 April. While this has led to an increase in the number of people in receipt of traditional jobseeker's payments, I am pleased to report that Live Register numbers are below their pre-pandemic levels, standing around 175,400 as of the week ending 8 May.
While all of these labour market trends are encouraging, I remain acutely aware of the challenges many people face in regaining their footing in the labour market in the wake of COVID-19, including those who were unemployment prior to the pandemic. As such, through the Pathways to Work strategy 2021 – 2025, my Department is actively working to assist all those unemployed find, secure and sustain quality employment so as to ensure that no one is left behind during our economic recovery. In doing so, we can further improve labour market outcomes for all in the aftermath of COVID-19.
In this regard, recent labour market projections from the Department of Finance’s Stability Programme Update published in April project further year-on-year growth in overall employment out to 2025. However, reflecting the impact of ongoing high inflation on growth as well as the uncertainty around other macro-economic and geopolitical challenges, unemployment is projected to average 5.4 percent over 2023.
129. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to reduce deprivation among lone parent families given the increase in deprivation found in the latest EU survey on income and living conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24513/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very conscious of the high levels of poverty and deprivation experienced by lone parent families and that is why Budget 2022 included a number of measures of benefit to lone parents in receipt of a social welfare payment such as One-Parent Family Payment or Jobseeker's Transitional Payment.
In the Budget I provided for a €5 per week increase in social welfare payment rates. In addition, I provided for the rate of Increase for a Qualified Child to increase by €2 to €40 per week in respect of a qualified child under age 12 and by €3 to €48 per week in respect of a qualified child aged 12 or over.
Last year, I removed the earnings limit attached to the One-Parent Family Payment. This means that recipients of that payment no longer face a cliff-edge when their earnings reach €425 per week but rather the payment tapers off as their earnings increase
Working Family Payment is a payment for people whose earnings from employment are low and who have children. Approximately half of the recipients of that payment are lone parents. Budget 2022 provided for a €10 weekly increase in the Working Family Payment income limits for families of all sizes. This came into effect last month.
I also increased the level of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance by €10 to €160 for each child aged 4 to 11 years and to €285 for each child aged 12 and over. In recognition of the particular challenges faced by lone parents, I equalised the income limits for one and two parent households, making it easier for lone parents to qualify for this payment.
The Government recognised the challenges of rising prices last October in Budget 2022 and brought in a package of tax and social welfare measures worth over €1 billion. The Government also agreed a further package of €505 million, including the €200 energy credit and a lump sum payment of €125 for those in receipt of the fuel allowance. In March the Government brought in a further tax measure, to immediately reduce the cost of fuels for families and businesses.
I am pleased that the SILC data show the positive impact that Covid supports have had. The "at risk of poverty" rate was 11.6 per cent in 2021, having reduced from 13.2 per cent in 2020. The data show that without the Covid supports that the Government put in place this would have been 19.9 per cent.
It is clear that we must continue to work to reduce poverty and deprivation and the Government will continue to build on the positive measures already introduced in that regard.
130. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the findings of the Commission on Pensions report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24675/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Pensions Commission’s Report was published in October 2021 and it contained almost 250 pages of analysis, consideration and recommendations. The Commission's Report established that the current State Pensions system is not sustainable into the future and it has set out a recommended approach for Government.In the interests both of older people and future generations of older people, the Government intends to consider the comprehensive and far reaching recommendations in the Pensions Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically. My officials are examining each of the recommendations and consulting across Government through the Cabinet Committee system. The views of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare will be considered as part of the Government's deliberations. Following detailed consideration of all of this in the round, I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government in the coming weeks.
It is clear from the Commission’s work that State Pension reform is necessary and it is complex. It would be a strategic risk not to plan and provide for projected demographic changes, not least in terms of income adequacy for older people. As the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland, the State Pension is very 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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
131. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the action her Department is taking to develop a pension solution for family carers to ensure they have adequate income once they reach retirement age as per the commitment in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24585/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the important role that carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system already includes a comprehensive range of measures including PRSI Credits, Homemaker's Disregards and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods outside of paid employment in the calculation of a pension payment.
The Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” includes a commitment to examine options for a pension solution for carers, the majority of whom are women, particularly those of incapacitated children, in recognition of the enormous value of the work carried out by them.
The Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine the sustainability of the State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund. 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’s terms of reference included consideration of how people who have provided long-term care for incapacitated dependants can be accommodated within the State Pension system.
The Pensions Commission’s Report was published on 7th October 2021. It established that the current State Pension system is not sustainable into the future and that changes are needed. The report set out a wide-range of recommendations, including enhanced pension provision for long-term carers. It recommended that long-term carers (defined as caring for more than 20 years) should be given access to the State Pension (Contributory) by having retrospective contributions paid for them by the Exchequer for any gaps in their contribution history arising from that caring. The Commission also recommended that relevant Departments should examine, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, options for the creation of a statutory "Family Carer Register" which could, in time, facilitate the identification of long-term carers for State Pension (Contributory) purposes as well as assisting in the planning and delivery of services for family carers.
In the interests both of older people and future generations of older people, the Government is considering the comprehensive and far reaching recommendations in the Pensions Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically. The views of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare are being considered as part of these deliberations. My officials are examining each of the recommendations and consulting across Government through the Cabinet Committee system. I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government in the coming weeks.
It is clear from the Commission’s work that State Pension reform is necessary and it is complex. It would be a strategic risk not to plan and provide for projected demographic changes, not least in terms of income adequacy for older people. 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.
132. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have made applications to in the form of rent supplement or supplementary welfare allowance or exceptional needs payments from 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022 from the Intreo Offices in Cork Street and Bishop Square, Dublin 8. [24503/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe supplementary welfare allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single exceptional needs payments and urgent needs payments.
My Department is currently compiling more extensive statistics in relation the number of applications made to the Supplementary Welfare Allowance schemes.
There were 2,692 Essential Needs and Urgent Needs Payment issued between 1st May 2021 to 30th April 2022 in Cork Street and Bishop Square Intreo Centres.
The were 516 Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance recipients at end of April 2021 and 655 recipients at end of April 2022 in Cork Street and Bishop Square Intreo Centres.
The were 162 other SWA supplement payments, excluding Rent Supplement, recipients at end of April 2021 and 156 recipients at end of April 2022 in Cork Street and Bishop Square Intreo Centres.
Rent Supplement claims for the area are processed in a Dublin Central Rents Supplement Unit, which covers a wider area within Dublin and Kildare.
The were 3,055 Rent Supplement recipients at end of April 2021 and 4,636 recipients at end of April 2022 administered by the Dublin Central Rents Unit.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
134. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection her response to a key conclusion in the report, The Cost of Disability in Ireland – that measures to address the additional costs of disability should be based on a multifaceted approach involving increased cash payments, enhanced access to service provision and specific targeted grant programmes. [24358/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Indecon report highlighted that the ‘Cost of Disability’ is significantly wider than the income support system and found that 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 concerned.
Additional costs of disability identified run 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. As the findings of the research have implications for many areas of public policy, a whole-of-Government perspective is needed. As such the Government has referred the report on the Cost of Disability to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group, chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability. All Departments have been asked to consider actions that are currently being implemented and any proposed new actions that they will be undertaking in the context of the findings of the Report.From the perspective of my Department, it is worth noting that a number of measures were introduced as part of Budget 2022 in relation to people with disabilities and their carers, which will go some way towards alleviating the financial costs experienced. These include a combination of core weekly payment rate increases in earnings disregards as well as supports to employers.Under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion (2020-2025) and Pathways to Work (2021-2025) strategies, my Department has committed to developing and consulting on a ‘strawman’ proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments to simplify the system and take account of the concerns expressed in the Make Work Pay Report. This will also include a review of the current long-term disability payment schemes with a view to removing inconsistencies/anomalies and ensuring that they recognise the continuum of disabilities and support employment. This work is currently underway within my Department, with a public consultation process to commence in due course.
Finally, one of the key conclusions contained in the report referenced the significant challenges faced in accessing employment and recommends that a high priority should be given to facilitating an increase in employment opportunities for people with disabilities. I am committed to improving targeted employment supports where people are facing additional challenges accessing work. In this context my Department is currently carrying out a review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund, and a planned review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme will also take place in 2022.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
135. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if a representative of the rural social scheme supervisors will be included in the imminent review of the rural social scheme. [24508/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support initiative providing part-time employment opportunities for farmers or fishermen/women in receipt of certain social welfare payments, and underemployed in their primary occupation, within their local area in community and voluntary organisations.
The RSS scheme plays an important role in rural communities, with participants having the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, whilst performing valuable work in their local communities. At the same time, communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen, and individual community groups have benefited from the many projects undertaken through the programme.
An operational review of the RSS Programme will take place in 2022.
My officials met with union representatives on the 6th April last and discussed a number of issues relating to a number of schemes supported by the Department, including the RSS review. At that meeting, it was made clear that the review will involve consultation with scheme representatives to ensure that the views of those working on the ground on schemes, along with those of other stakeholders, informs the review.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
136. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is reviewing the six-year rule in relation to the rural social scheme; if she will consider extending it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24522/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support initiative which commenced in 2004 to provide part-time employment opportunities for farmers or fishermen and women who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are underemployed in their primary occupation.
The work undertaken by participants is primarily to support local service provision via community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations, provided that this does not displace existing service provision or employment. Communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fisherpersons and the RSS participants have the opportunity to improve and develop new or existing skills, while working in their local communities.
During 2017 and 2018 the number of places funded on RSS was increased by 750, bringing the total number of places provided for up to 3,350. On the 6th May 2022, there were 2,898 participants on RSS.
In addition to the introduction of additional places, a maximum duration limit of six years on the scheme was also introduced for new participants who commenced on the scheme from 1st February 2017. The earliest date that any RSS participant will be affected by the six-year maximum duration limit will be 2023. RSS participants who commenced on the scheme prior to 1st February 2017 will remain on the scheme as long as they continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions of the scheme.
The Department continually monitors all its income and employment support programmes to ensure that they are achieving the best outcomes for participants and for the local communities in which they operate. Last December Minister Humphreys and I announced a number of reforms to RSS and community employment schemes. These changes included a provision to allow an RSS participant who reaches 60 years of age to remain on the scheme until they reach State pension age. This will immediately benefit 390 existing RSS participants over sixty years of age who commenced on the scheme since 2017 who will be able to stay on RSS until they reach state pension age.
An operational review of the RSS Programme is planned in 2022, and this will include a review of the six-year time limit for those aged under 60 years. While the pressure on places is not an issue at present, there is still the issue of having people become long term dependent on welfare and scheme payments rather than progressing into employment to be considered - in particular at a time with a tightening labour market. It will be necessary to allow some time before the impact on RSS of the changes implemented from 1st January 2022 are fully known, before completing the review during the course of 2022. This is also allowing time for schemes to return to normal post COVID operations.
I trust that this clarifies the situation.
138. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection her Department’s strategy to assist recently arrived Ukrainian nationals to pay for private accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24678/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for meeting the immediate and short-term accommodation needs of persons availing of protection in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive.
Rent supplement is a short-term income support which is means-tested and plays a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation. The scheme was providing support to 11,771 recipients at the end of April 2022.
Rent Supplement is available on a flexible basis to support those availing of temporary protection in Ireland. There are 17 households currently being supported with Rent Supplement since the measure came into operation in February 2022.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
139. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the review of her Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Fund grants scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24680/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently reviewing the Reasonable Accommodation Fund grants, as part of its commitments under the Comprehensive Employment Strategy. The review is to see how to improve the effectiveness of the grants and to identify gaps in provision. It also aims to improve the application and payment processes.
As part of this review, I launched a public consultation on the Friday the 31st of March. The consultation closed last Friday, the 13th of May.
My Department will now analyse and reflect on the responses received and in particular on the views of disabled people and employers. The review will be published later in the year.
140. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the figures on the Live Register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24214/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrior to the impacts of COVID-19 being felt in Ireland, in mid-March 2020, the Live Register stood at just over 183,000. In response to the emergence of the virus in Ireland, the Government introduced the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), which subsequently became to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).
As a result of the introduction of these emergency COVID response schemes, the influx of people into the Live Register during the pandemic was much more muted than otherwise would have been the case, with the vast majority of income support recipients supported through the PUP. Over its lifetime the PUP supported around 880,000 individuals who were unable to work due to the public health restrictions.
On foot of the successful rollout of the vaccination programme and the lifting of public health restrictions the PUP and EWSS have been gradually unwound. Following the PUP payments on the 29th of March, the transition process to full jobseeker terms for all remaining PUP recipients commenced with the first jobseeker payments, for this cohort, paid on the 5th of April. I am pleased to report, that following these transitions, as of the week ending on the 8th of May, the Live Register stands at around 175,400, below pre-pandemic levels.
While current Live Register trends are encouraging, I remain acutely aware of the challenges many people face in regaining their footing in the labour market in the wake of COVID-19, including those who were unemployed prior to the pandemic. The current Live Register figures show that while figures are below pre-COVID levels, a greater share, approximately 51 percent, are now long-term recipients, when we include their time spent on the PUP. As such, my Department is working to actively provide assistance to all those jobseekers who may need help to return to employment, education or training. In doing so, we will seek to mitigate the risk of labour market scarring as a result of the pandemic and to ensure that no one is left behind during our economic recovery.
141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures taken by her Department which had the most impact on efficiently tackling the rates of unemployment both during and after the pandemic; if she has in mind any further proposals in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24498/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe labour market situation sharply deteriorated in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, the Government introduced emergency income and employment support measures, namely the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), which was later replaced by the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).
Reflecting the Government’s decision to avoid a cliff edge associated with the sudden removal of supports, it was agreed that these emergency measures would be wound down gradually, the last step of which will be the closure of the EWSS at the end of this month. The EWSS was designed to maintain linkages between employers and employees. As of the end of April 257,000 people employees were being supported through this scheme.
Analysis conducted in November 2021, published by my Department, shows that, by early October 2021, of the 774,000 people who had exited the PUP, 571,000 - or 74 percent - had evidence of employment. Of these, 305,000 returned to work, at some stage, with their pre-PUP employer. In this regard, the PUP scheme was also successful in maintaining links with employers.
These measures helped to ensure that the economy and the labour market was well positioned for the easing of the public health restrictions and the resumption of normal economic activity. In part as a result of these efforts, the Live Register figure as of May 8th was around 175,400, which is lower than the pre-pandemic levels. The overall unemployment rate is 4.8 percent and the youth unemployment rate declined significantly and is currently at 5.6 percent. These indicators are very welcome and signify a strong recovery in the labour market.
In addition to the emergency Covid measures, as part of the Pathways to Work Strategy 2021-2025, the Government has put in place additional supports to help those who were affected during the pandemic as well as helping those who, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, faced disadvantage in the labour market. These measures include but are not limited to:
- Expanding the JobsPlus financial incentive for employers.
- Expanding the capacity of the Public Employment Service across the State.
-- Launching the Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP), which is a 6-month, 30 hour per week voluntary work experience programme, for persons out of work for six months or more.
- Ring-fencing at least 1,000 out of the 3,000 additional Community Employment and Tús places for long-term unemployed young people.
I am confident that the comprehensive package of measures that comprise Pathways 2021-2025 will be sufficient to support the labour market as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, I am confident that the targeting of these measures, at those who face disadvantages in the labour market, will ensure that the recovery will be felt throughout society.
142. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will temporarily cease rent supplement reviews in which rent has been increased and the recipient is being advised to seek alternative or cheaper accommodation, given the current housing crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24536/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent supplement plays a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation. The scheme was providing support to 11,771 recipients at the end of April 2022. The rent supplement scheme provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Since the introduction of the Housing Assistance Payment, rent supplement is reverting to its original role of providing short-term support to those who have become temporarily unemployed and require income support to meet their tenancy costs while they seek alternative employment. Responsibility for the provision of rental assistance to those with a long-term housing need remains with local authorities.
Staff in my Department are engaged with customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their claim, including regular reviews for all schemes on an ongoing basis. A person’s entitlement to a social welfare payment is reviewed to ensure that they continue to satisfy the conditions of the scheme. A person’s means may also be reviewed from time to time. A customer may also request a review of their means in the light of changed circumstances at any time.
During a review of a rent supplement claim, the Community Welfare Services Officers will engage with a claimant to establish their continued eligibility for the scheme as quickly as possible and limit any delay to payments. This review may involve consideration of a long term social housing need and a possible referral to the local authority for a housing needs assessment and/or consideration for a Housing Assistance Payment.
If suitable alternative rental accommodation is available to meet the accommodation needs of the household at less cost, a person receiving rent supplement may be asked to consider same if the rent on the existing property has increased. If no alternative suitable accommodation is available, the household will continue to be supported on Rent Supplement.
My Department also continues to provide supports to tenants towards rent deposits and rent in advance under the Exceptional Needs Payment Scheme.
If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case, he should bring the details to the attention of the Department and my officials will follow up with them.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
