Written Answers Nos. 392-411
392. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of participants who have started on the work placement experience programme; the number who are currently registered; the number of persons who have finished placements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35523/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra393. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of complaints that have been received from participants on the work placement experience programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35524/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra394. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of positions on the work placement experience programme that have been refused because the position did not meet the standards of the scheme or were removed for the same reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35525/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra395. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of workplace inspections that have been carried out as part of the work placement experience programme; the number of placements that were found to be satisfactory or unsatisfactory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35526/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 392 to 395, inclusive, together.
The Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) is a key policy initiative under the Government's national employment services strategy, Pathways to Work 2021-2025. It is a funded work placement scheme to provide quality work experience to unemployed jobseekers to build their skills and experience. Placements run for 6 months at 30 hours per week to include time spent on training. All participants are paid a minimum of €311 per week, plus any social welfare increases for qualified adults and children. Participation on WPEP by jobseekers is entirely voluntary.
The Work Placement Experience Scheme was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic at a time of significant unemployment. As a result of the policies pursued by Government, the economy has recovered much faster than anticipated as restrictions have been eased. The unemployment rate nationally has fallen below 5%. In addition, the youth unemployment rate in Ireland in May 2022 was 4.9%, significantly blow the average EU unemployment rate of 13.3% at that time.
This strong economic recovery coupled with the fact that many businesses across sectors are facing staff shortages currently and are actively seeking to recruit staff naturally means that the need for the Work Placement Experience Scheme has naturally been much less than anticipated. This of course is a positive development. Nevertheless WPEP remains in place for those who need it and it will be an important support to have in place should the economic situation deteriorate in the future.
The number of WPEP placements approved as of the 24th of June 2022 was 365. Of these placements:
- 152 are active,
- 10 are due to start.
- 203 participants have ended their WPEP placements of which 122 have completed the full course and an additional 81 finished WPEP early due to a variety of reasons, including 30 who have obtained employment.
There have been a small number of complaints from participants to date, 9 in total, some of which were administrative in nature. In each compliant, case officers were involved and worked to deal with the substantive issue or when necessary, assist the participant find a new placement. All complaints are investigated in full by the Department’s case officer as part of the ongoing monitoring of the programme and the individual placement. There have been no WPEP placements ceased by the Department.
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.
Since the launch of the programme 375 placement positions were not approved as they did not satisfy the required criteria. This can include any of the above elements.
As part of WPEP monitoring an assigned case officer liaises with the host and the participant during the placement. While case officers do not undertake workplace inspections, they do monitor placements and this includes meeting with participants and hosts to review placements. These may be in person or virtual. To date 118 monitoring reviews have been completed.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
396. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if modelling with respect to deficits of the Social Insurance Fund included increases in other welfare payments over the time horizon considered by the report of the Commission of Pensions; if so, the basis of those welfare payment increases whether indexed to inflation, wage growth and so on; the rates of those increases in percentage or nominal terms; and the way that this expenditure contributed to the forecast deficits of the Social Insurance Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35527/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 10 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) makes provision for the undertaking of an actuarial review of the social insurance fund at five yearly intervals. The purpose of the review is to determine the extent to which the fund may be expected, in the longer term, to meet the demands in respect of payment of benefits and other payments. The review takes account of the adequacy or otherwise of contributions to support such benefits and payments as well as other matters relevant to the current and future financial condition of the fund.
The most recent actuarial review, published in 2017, considered the financial position of the social insurance fund as of 31 December 2015. The review’s projections covered the 55-year period from 2016 to 2071. In reaching its projections, the review includes analyses and assumptions on a range of factors including, but not confined to, real earnings growth, expenditure on short-term and long-term benefits including pensions, and inflation.
In order to quantify the scale of the fiscal sustainability challenge facing the social insurance fund in the period to 2070, updated projections, taking into account the changes that have taken place to the State pension system since 2015, are included in the Report of the Commission on Pensions which was published in October 2021.
The next actuarial review of the social insurance fund in respect of the year ending 31 December 2020 is underway. The review is expected to be completed later this year and a copy will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas within six months of its completion in accordance with the statutory requirement to do so.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
397. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Social Protection the plans, if any, that her Department has to ensure people in receipt of only a State pension as income are protected from the increasing cost of living. [35538/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn an ongoing basis, and as part of the normal budgetary cycle, my Department actively monitors key economic indicators and also takes account of research data including that of the Minimum Essential Standard of Living from the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice.
The social impact of budget measures is also assessed using the SWITCH model developed by the ESRI.
It is through this evidence-based approach that, over the past 10 years, budget measures have been targeted to support those most at risk of poverty. This is evident in the recent results of the Survey on Income and Living Conditions which showed welcome reductions in the number of people at risk of poverty or deprivation.
Having said that, I am very aware that, mainly due to external factors, the recent increase in consumer prices, especially the increase in fuel and other energy prices, has exceeded even the highest forecasts.
In response the Government acted early to address these challenges. To help mitigate the effects of these rising costs, the Government announced a package of measures in February, which will have a positive impact on the incomes of all households in our country.
This package included lump sum payments of €125 and €100 to all households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment, which was paid to social welfare recipients in March and May.
Taken together with the €5 increase in Fuel Allowance introduced as part of Budget 2022, this means that low-income households will see an increase of 55% in Fuel Allowance support provided during the 2021/22 Fuel season compared to the previous season. In conjunction with the electricity costs emergency benefit payment, such households will receive over €600 in additional energy supports this year. The Deputy will also be aware of the measures taken by the Minister for Finance to reduce duties on fuel and retain the low level of VAT on hospitality services. The Minister for Transport has also reduced public transport fares by 20%.
These measures are in addition to others introduced as part of Budget 2022 - which was the largest social welfare budget package in 14 years .
This Government is very aware of, and concerned about, the impact on rising prices on Irish households, particularly pensioners. We have reacted quickly, not only with social protection measures, but implemented a wide range of initiatives covering tax, energy credits, excise and transport measures.
All of these measures are being kept under review, together with trends in prices, to inform preparations for the budget later this year.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a replacement bus pass will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35586/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators.
The person concerned has a continuing entitlement to Free Travel since 26th September 2017 and their current Free Travel Public Services Card is about to expire.
The person concerned has been contacted and a new 3 year extended card has been requested. The person concerned will receive their new card by post in the next 7-10 days.
I hope this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
399. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 599 of 22 March 2022, if a person who is in receipt of a living alone allowance and fuel allowance will have the allowance protected if he or she is forced to take in a son or daughter due to the housing crisis; and if she will request her officials to take these circumstances into account. [35652/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to the Deputy's previous question, I was pleased to recently announce a series of measures which will remove barriers facing social welfare customers who choose to accommodate tenants or those affected by the Ukraine crisis in their homes.
I am introducing a new means disregard of up to €14,000 per annum, in respect of those who rent a room in their home. This brings social welfare rules in line with the Rent a Room Relief Scheme, which has been operated for many years by the Revenue Commissioners. This new disregard means that a social welfare customer will be able to rent out a room in their home for up to €14,000 per annum and this income will not see their means-tested social welfare payment impacted, including for the Fuel Allowance or the Household Benefits Package.
I am also introducing a change in the rules for those who receive the Living Alone Allowance. This change will facilitate continued payment of the Living Alone Allowance to those who accommodate people (but not immediate family members), via rental or otherwise, in their own home. This amendment will apply mainly to the benefit of pensioners making accommodation available, including to arrivals fleeing the war in Ukraine. Any necessary regulatory or other changes in this regard will be finalised shortly.
The living alone allowance and the fuel allowance payment are considered secondary, or non-primary payments which are incorporated into the person’s qualifying payment. The effect of the allowances is to increase the rate of payment to qualifying people.
The qualifying criteria for these payments are designed to ensure the payments go to those who need them the most. In the case of the living alone allowance, it recognises that there are economies of scale associated with living with another person. With regards to the fuel allowance payment, it ensures that it goes to those who are unlikely to have additional resources of their own and who require support with heating their home in the winter period.
The adult child of a householder moving back into the family home might reduce such additional allowances previously held by the householder. However, the economies of scale from living together should mean that a weekly contribution by the person moving in would compensate for any such reduction in payments from my Department.
Significant costs would arise if the criteria were relaxed in the manner suggested by the Deputy and any decision to change the criteria for these schemes would have to be considered in the overall budgetary context.
Finally, the Department of Social Protection operates an Additional Needs Payment as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who have additional needs, which they cannot meet from their own resources. This payment is detailed on the Department's website at www.gov.ie/anp and is available through our Community Welfare Officers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
400. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether it is now an appropriate time to reverse the unjust reduction to the State pensions of 36,000 older people which were cut due to changes in the State pension system in 2012, given that they have not had their pension rates restored in light of the current situation of rising prices (details supplied); and if she will reverse the changes brought in ten years ago. [35761/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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 includes a range of measures including PRSI Credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods outside of paid employment in the calculation of a pension payment rate.
In January 2018, the Government announced an Interim Total Contributions Approach (Interim TCA), also known as the Aggregated Contribution Method, to calculate the entitlement of pensioners who reached State Pension age on or after 1 September 2012 (i.e. those born on or after 1 September 1946) and who had a reduced rate pension entitlement based on post Budget 2012 rate bands. When the Interim TCA was introduced, it included provision for the HomeCaring Periods Scheme which fundamentally changed the entitlement of many who spent time out of the workforce caring for others. For the first time, it acknowledged home caring periods prior to 1994.
Using Interim TCA, a person can qualify for the maximum personal rate of State Pension (Contributory) if s/he has 40 years or more PRSI full-rate paid contributions. If a person has fewer than 40 years PRSI full-rate paid contributions, HomeCaring Periods and PRSI Credits can be used as part of the State Pension payment rate calculation, where they satisfy the other qualifying conditions for the scheme. There is provision for 10 years of PRSI Credits and 20 years of HomeCaring Periods, but with a cap of 20 years combined PRSI Credits and HomeCaring Periods.
Since April 2019, all new State Pension (Contributory) applications are assessed under all possible rate calculation methods, including the Yearly Average and the interim Total Contributions Approach, with the most beneficial rate paid to the pensioner. The elements which make up each method are set out in legislation.
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’s terms of reference included consideration of how to accommodate, within the State Pension system, people who have provided long-term care for incapacitated dependants.
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 (in excess of 20 years) carers, phased full transition to a Total Contributions Approach and the abolition of the Yearly Average approach.
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 Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically. My officials are examining each of the recommendations and I am consulting across Government through the Cabinet Committee system with meetings scheduled over the coming weeks. The views of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare will also be considered as part of these deliberations. Once we have considered all of these matters in detail and taken on board the views of my Ministerial colleagues, I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
401. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications that were refused for domiciliary care allowance in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of applications that were appealed for each of those years; the number that were successful on review for those years; the number that were successful on appeal for those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35803/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment for a child, aged under 16 with a severe disability who requires ongoing (continual or continuous) care and attention substantially in excess of the level of care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months. Eligibility is determined on the additional care required by the child rather than the disability.
The following is the number of Domiciliary Care Allowance applications that were disallowed in the years 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 and the number of applications that were appealed for each of those years:
|
Year |
Applications Disallowed during year |
Appeals received during year |
|
2019 |
2,875 |
1,142 |
|
2020 |
2,639 |
1,451 |
|
2021 |
2,468 |
896 |
|
2022 to date- June 2022 |
1,767 |
913 |
It should be noted that the number of claims disallowed (or awarded) in any calendar year do not necessarily relate to the applications received during that year. Claims received at the end of a particular year are likely to be decided in the following year.
The following is the number of Domiciliary Care Allowance applications that were successful on appeal in the years 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022.
|
Year |
Appeal Allowed |
Appeal Partially Allowed |
|
2019 |
811 |
10 |
|
2020 |
912 |
51 |
|
2021 |
533 |
25 |
|
2022 to date -June 2022 |
259 |
19 |
Statistics relating to the number of Domiciliary Care Allowance applications that are successful on review, are not routinely collated.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
402. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications that were made for domiciliary care allowance in 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35804/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of applications for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) that were received in 2021 and to date in 2022 are as follows:
|
Year |
DCA applications received during year. |
|
2021 |
9,121 |
|
2022 to date - 01/07/2022 |
5,290 |
The number of DCA applications continues to increase.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
403. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for domiciliary care allowance with dyspraxia as a primary diagnosis that were refused in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of those applications that were appealed for each of those years; the number that were successful on review for those years; the number that were successful on appeal for those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35805/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required by a child rather than the child's disability. DCA applications are decided by a deciding officer on an individual case by case basis, while also considering the opinion of a Departmental medical assessor.
While statistics on overall awards and refusals are available , information on awards or refusals in relation to particular medical conditions is not routinely collated. It should also be noted that children can have multiple diagnoses.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
404. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for domiciliary care allowance with ASD as a primary diagnosis that were refused in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of those applications that were appealed for each of those years; the number that were successful on review for those years; the number that were successful on appeal for those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35806/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required by a child rather than the child's disability. DCA applications are decided by a deciding officer on an individual case by case basis, while also considering the opinion of a Departmental medical assessor.
While statistics on overall awards and refusals are available, information on awards or refusals in relation to particular medical conditions is not routinely collated. It should also be noted that children can have multiple diagnoses.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
405. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for domiciliary care allowance with sensory processing disorder as a primary diagnosis that were refused in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of those applications that were appealed for each of those years; the number that were successful on review for those years; the number that were successful on appeal for those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35807/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required by a child rather than the child's disability. DCA applications are decided by a deciding officer on an individual case by case basis, while also considering the opinion of a Departmental medical assessor.
While statistics on overall awards or refusals are available, information on awards or refusals in relation to particular medical conditions is not routinely collated. It should also be noted that children can have multiple diagnoses.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
406. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection if all applications for domiciliary care allowance are assessed by a medical assessor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35808/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary care allowance is payable in respect of children who have a severe disability resulting in the need for substantial extra care and attention compared to other children of the same age without that disability. Eligibility is determined on the additional care required by the child and not on the particular disability.
Before a decision is made on a domiciliary care allowance application, the deciding officer forwards the application in its entirety, including all the medical evidence supplied, to one of the Departments medical assessors for their professional opinion on the care needs resulting from the disability. The deciding officer, having received the opinion of the medical assessor, then examines the application in full before making a decision.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
407. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the plans, if any, that she has to review the onerous application process for parents applying for the domiciliary care allowance, particularly in terms of family impact statements and care diaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35809/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDomiciliary Care Allowance (DCA ) is payable to a parent/guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 , who has a severe disability and requires continual or continuous care and attention substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. The child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 months. Eligibility is determined primarily by reference to the degree of ongoing additional care and attention required by the child rather than the child's disability.
In general, social welfare schemes with complex qualifying conditions, such as DCA, tend to require extensive, detailed information and evidence to be provided in the application process, in order to make an appropriate decision on entitlement.
Applicants for DCA are required to complete an application form (Dom Care 1) , which details the child's disability and resultant medical and additional care needs. In addition to the completed form, the applicant may provide any additional information or documentary evidence that is relevant, such as medical professional report(s) or, for example, a copy of the needs assessment completed by the HSE. All details supplied by the applicant on the completed application form, including the signed details from the applicant's GP on this form, along with any other additional information and supporting evidence provided, forms the basis for the DCA application assessment and decision process.
The Department regularly reviews scheme application forms to ensure that the application forms are as user friendly as possible, while also taking account of the nature of the scheme and the qualifying criteria for the scheme.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
408. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department employs medical assessors with specialist knowledge in areas such as occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35810/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical Assessors are fully qualified and experienced practitioners who provide independent, informed opinions on applications to the illness, disability & caring schemes, for the guidance of the Department's Deciding Officers.
At the time of recruitment, they must have at least three years satisfactory experience in the practice of medicine since registration.
Many of the Medical Assessors have specialist post-graduate qualifications, knowledge, or training such as Psychiatry, Rheumatology, Surgery, Occupational Medicine, Public Health, Anaesthesiology & General Practice et cetera and all have received structured training in disability evaluation and the operation of the Department's schemes.
The Medical Assessors have an ongoing commitment to continuing medical education to ensure that standards are maintained and enhanced.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
409. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is being pursued by JobPath to have his or her new employer complete forms and provide details relating to rates of pay when JobPath had no hand, act or part in the person securing this employment and did not assist in securing the necessary training before employment commenced; the purpose of these forms; and the intended use of the data. [35827/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe JobPath service helps and supports their clients to identify and pursue suitable job opportunities themselves and the personal adviser will provide any appropriate support that the person may require, from preparing their CV and assisting with the job application to financial assistance for clothing or transport costs at interview stage or in the first days of employment.
JobPath fees are designed to cover the cost of the provision of a case management service. Just as is the case with Intreo and the LES, the jobs secured by JobPath clients are not all secured on their behalf by the service providers. However, the provision of the employment advisory service will have contributed to a client's ability to secure employment for themselves.
The JobPath providers are required to offer in-work support to the person for up to twelve months while they remain in employment. This includes scheduled contact with the person as well as ad-hoc contact should they need immediate support or advice, this may be particularly important for those in temporary or part-time employment to provide the specific support needed to progress to more sustainable permanent employment.
A person is not under any obligation to provide employment or employer details to the JobPath provider but, if they wish to do so and avail of the in-employment support offered, all information will be treated confidentially.
As the customer in this case is currently not on the live register they would be entitled to request that the JobPath provider refrain from contacting them and / or their employer.
410. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will release to a person (details supplied) the records relating to his transfer from the Department of Social Protection to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on secondment, as he has requested under freedom of information and general data protection regulation legislation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35836/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has received and responded to a number of FOI and Data Protection requests from the person concerned. Thus far, the Department has released any and all records it has identified in relation to this person's requests in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and the Data Protection Acts 2018 and 2013. There is one GDPR request ongoing and this will be responded to by the 8th July.
411. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the bodies under her aegis in which persons will receive a pay rise from 1 July 2022; the role of each, where appropriate, or the anonymised salaries bands otherwise, the current remuneration and the proposed increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35859/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, Section 20 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 set out that restoration for public servants with annualised basic salaries above €150,000 would be completed by Ministerial order by 1 July 2022. In accordance with the legislation, an Order under Section 20 of the Act was laid before the Oireachtas on 30 June.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is currently liaising with all Government departments in relation to the 1 July restoration for affected posts under their aegis. This process is ongoing and my Department is awaiting the relevant Circular for General Service Grades in the Civil Service before an accurate response can be provided to your question. The details will be forwarded to the Deputy once available.
