Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:1150. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will respond to a pre-budget submission from (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2023
Ceisteanna (1150)
Freagraí scríofa
The role of my department is to provide income supports where there is an income need.
The main income supports to carers provided by my department include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and the Carer's Support Grant. Spending on these payments in 2022 is expected to exceed €1.5 billion.
In acknowledgement of the important role that family carers play in our society I introduced a number of measures since my appointment as Minister for Social Protection.
- As part of Budget 2021, I increased the Carer’s Support Grant by €150 to €1,850. This is the highest rate since its introduction. The annual grant is available to all carers providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. This award can be used for any purpose at the discretion of the carer, and it is not taxed.
- As part of Budget 2022 I made the following changes to the Carer's Allowance means test which took effect in June:
- An increase in the Capital/Savings disregard for Carer’s Allowance from €20,000 to €50,000.
- An increase in the weekly income disregard for Carer’s Allowance from €332.50 to €350 a week for single carers and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse/partner. This was the first change to the means test in 14 years. Both of these measures will enable more family carers access the Carer's Allowance payment.
- Domiciliary Care Allowance to be paid for children who go into hospital for up to 6 months (formerly 3 months). Carer’s Allowance will also continue to be paid in respect of children who go into hospital for 6 months. This came into effect in January.
I am very familiar with the pre-budget submission from the organisation the Deputy refers to. My Department hosted the Annual Carers’ Forum on 31 May. In addition, my department recently hosted the Pre-Budget Forum on 27 July. I have heard firsthand the various issues raised in the submission.
Importantly, the issues experienced by family carers are wide ranging and broader than income supports. They include improving equity of access to supports for carers, respite, homecare hours and the role of disability services which impact on family carers. The Programme for Government contains a commitment to review and update the National Carers’ Strategy. This is being led by the Department of Health. It is in this context that the broader issues facing family carers will be addressed.
I can assure the Deputy that my commitment in relation to improving the various income supports to family carers and the people they care for has not been found wanting. However, the Deputy will understand that any commitments regarding the allocation of public expenditure are subject to the overall budgetary context and will be considered in that context over the coming weeks.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Scéimeanna Tacaíochta
Ceisteanna (1151)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:1151. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Paul Murphy den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cad iad na tacaíochtaí atá ar fáil do na húinéirí foirgnimh a chuireann dídean ar fáil do mhuintir na hÚcráine nó d’aon teifigh eile; is é sin le rá an méid airgid atá caite go dtí seo ar na scéimeanna sin a leagan amach agus an íocaíocht is mó atá déanta le húinéir faoi na scéimeanna sin a chur in iúl. [43547/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tá mo chomhghleacaí, an tAire Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Óige, freagrach as cóiríocht a sholáthar do dhídeanaithe ón Úcráin nó do dhídeanaithe eile a thugann le fios go dteastaíonn an chóiríocht sin uathu ar theacht go hÉirinn dóibh, nó faoi chúinsí nach mbíonn cóiríocht a shocraítear go príobháideach oiriúnach a thuilleadh.
Thug an Roinn Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Óige ‘Íocaíocht Aitheantais Cóiríochta’ €400 isteach do dhaoine a thugann cóiríocht do dhaoine ar tairbhithe Cosanta Sealadaí iad tar éis gur theith siad an choimhlint san Úcráin. Déantar íocaíocht i riaráistí míosúla.
Aithníonn an íocaíocht flaithiúlacht daoine a chuir cóiríocht phríobháideach ar fáil d’íospartaigh ghéarchéime daonnúla, agus baineann tiomantas íosta óstála sé mhí leis.
Sa chás gur sholáthair óstach an chóiríocht sin, is féidir an íocaíocht a shiardhátú go dtí an 4 Márta 2022 agus cuirfear ar fáil í go dtí deireadh Mhárta 2023.
Riarann mo Roinn ‘an Íocaíocht Aitheantais Cóiríochta’ a íoc thar ceann na Roinne Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Óige agus tá mé sásta chun tacú leis an Aire O’Gorman le rannchuidiú na ndaoine siúd a aithint a chuir a n-áiteanna cónaithe agus a dtithe ar fáil dóibh siúd a bhí ag éalú ón gcogadh san Úcráin.
Eisíodh luach iomlán €3.36 milliún d’íocaíochtaí go dtí seo maidir leis an scéim, agus déanfar íocaíocht uasta €2,000 i dtaca le haon réadmhaoin amháin maidir leis an tréimhse ó Mhárta go hIúil.
Tá súil agam go dtugann seo soiléiriú ar an gceist don Teachta Dála.
Social Welfare Code
Ceisteanna (1152)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:1152. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the eligibility criteria for the back-to-school allowance that currently does not allow for foster carers; the basis for currently excluding this group from this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43605/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The scheme operates from June to September each year.
The allowance is payable in respect of eligible children between the ages of 4 and 17 in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid and eligible children between the ages of 18 and 22 who are in full-time second level education and in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is not payable in respect of foster children as the financial support provided to foster parents by Tusla, the foster care allowance, includes provision for the cost of clothing and footwear for the foster child.
Any changes to the eligibility criteria for the scheme would have to be considered in a budgetary context and within the scope of the overall resources available for welfare improvements.
Applications which fall outside the normal rules of the scheme may be considered for an additional needs payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme by the Community Welfare Service.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service. There is a National Community Welfare Service Contact Centre in place – 0818-607080 – which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1153)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:1153. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications that have been received for the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance in 2022; the number of applications that have been processed to date; and the number of those applications approved and the number declined. [43641/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The scheme operates from June to September each year.
The allowance is payable for eligible children between the ages of 4 and 17 in respect of whom a qualified child increase is being paid. It is also payable to those between the ages of 18 and 22 who are in full-time second level education and in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid.
Similar to previous years, the majority of customers were awarded Back to School Clothing and Allowance without the need for an application and these customers were notified of their award by the 20 June. This year, close to 120,000 families in respect of approximately 212,000 qualified children were approved the allowance without the need for an application.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme opened to new applications on 20 June. Up to close of business 5 September, 50,747 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance applications have been received. The Department has processed 35,944 applications of which 22,234 have been approved for payment.
The closing date to apply for this year’s Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payment is 30 September 2022.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1154)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:1154. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications that have been received under the additional needs payment by month and by county to date in 2022; the number of applications approved for payment; and the average length of time that it took for decision. [43642/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
The scheme is demand led. Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation, and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
Table 1 shows the additional needs payments registered by month until the end of July.
Table 2 shows the additional needs payments registered by county until the end of July.
Of the 70,843 claims registered, 45,538 were awarded by the end of July 2022. This does not reflect claims that were disallowed, withdrawn, cancelled or awaiting further information.
These figures represent a snapshot of claim activity and are subject to change. Figures for August 2022 are not yet available.
The Community Welfare Service is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. The Department is developing more extensive statistics in relation to the number of additional needs payment applications. Many claims are decided within one week. The majority of applications are processed within four weeks. Where an application is not processed within four weeks this is generally because information or documentation that has been requested from the customer to support their application remains outstanding.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1 - additional needs payments registered by month until the end of July
|
Month |
Claims Registered |
|
Jan |
5,355 |
|
Feb |
6,034 |
|
Mar |
7,488 |
|
Apr |
8,036 |
|
May |
11,715 |
|
Jun |
14,919 |
|
Jul |
17,296 |
|
Total |
70,843 |
Table 2- Additional needs payments registered by county until the end of July
|
County |
Claims Registered |
|
CARLOW |
1,231 |
|
CAVAN |
987 |
|
CLARE |
2,289 |
|
CORK |
5,932 |
|
DONEGAL |
2,438 |
|
DUBLIN |
21,643 |
|
GALWAY |
3,411 |
|
KERRY |
2,821 |
|
KILDARE |
2,177 |
|
KILKENNY |
1,278 |
|
LAOIS |
1,390 |
|
LEITRIM |
906 |
|
LIMERICK |
2,790 |
|
LONGFORD |
1,161 |
|
LOUTH |
2,128 |
|
MAYO |
1,597 |
|
MEATH |
2,210 |
|
MONAGHAN |
460 |
|
OFFALY |
1,299 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
893 |
|
SLIGO |
1,527 |
|
TIPPERARY |
2,366 |
|
WATERFORD |
1,921 |
|
WESTMEATH |
1,892 |
|
WEXFORD |
1,797 |
|
WICKLOW |
2,299 |
|
Total |
70,843 |
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1155)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:1155. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the types of payments that have been paid out, that is, energy and so on, under the additional needs payment to date in 2022. [43643/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation, and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
In general, additional needs payments are not intended to cover circumstances where responsibility rests with another Government Department or Agency. However, an additional needs payment can be made to help meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
The main items eligible for assistance include help with fuel, utility bills, repairs to or replacement of household appliances, clothing, child related items such as cots and prams, assistance with funerals or burial costs and travel. Support is also available to assist persons under this scheme towards rent deposits. Some 3,400 customers are currently in receipt of an additional supplement to help with ongoing needs. Assistance provided under these supplements includes heat, travel and other ongoing costs.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (1156)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an oral hearing can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43646/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
An application for Carer's Allowance by the person in question was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 7 February 2019. I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal of the decision was received in that Office on 21 March 2022.
An appeal against the decision of a Deciding Officer must be made within 21 days of a decision being notified. Appeals received outside of this time limit may only be accepted at the discretion of the Chief Appeals Officer, taking into account the circumstances of the case.
An email reply issued to the Deputy on 23 March 2022 confirming that a late appeal would not be accepted. The Deputy was advised that if there were good reasons that explain why the appeal was late, the person concerned could provide those reasons for consideration, and also that she could request a review from the Department of the Deciding Officer's decision at any stage.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that further correspondence was received from the person concerned. However, having considered the circumstances of the case and in view of the fact that three years had elapsed since the Department's decision of 7 February 2019 to the date the appeal was requested, the person concerned was advised by letter of 14 July 2022 that an appeal could not be accepted.
If there has been any change in circumstances it is open to the person concerned to reapply for Carer's Allowance.
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) 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 dependants. Under the scheme, a supplement can be awarded to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. In addition, officers can make a single exceptional needs payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. Decisions on ENPs and SWA supplements are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (1157)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:1157. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will request her Department to review a decision to deny a person (details supplied) illness benefit. [43673/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All schemes under the remit of my Department undertake periodic reviews of social welfare claims. The Illness Benefit claim of the person concerned was selected for review. The person concerned was afforded the opportunity to submit any information they felt should be considered as part of the review. She also attended for an assessment with one of the Department’s Medical Assessors.
Taking account of the information provided by the person concerned, her doctor and the Department’s Medical Assessor, a Deciding Officer deemed the person concerned to be capable of working and therefore no longer entitled to Illness Benefit. A letter issued to her on 25th July informing her of the Deciding Officer’s decision and of her right to seek a review of the decision or to lodge an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Following previous representations by the Deputy, this claim was reviewed in its entirety by another Deciding Officer who upheld the original decision that the person concerned was deemed capable of work.
A letter confirming the outcome of the review issued to the person concerned on 24th August 2022. The letter again advised her of the option of lodging an appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (1158)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:1158. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if an invalidity pension payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43677/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Invalidity pension (IP) has been reinstated to the person in question with effect from 25 August 2022 and she will receive her first payment to her nominated post office on 08 September 2022. Any arrears due will issue shortly thereafter. Notification of the decision to reinstate her IP issued to the person in question on 31 August 2022.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (1159)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:1159. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that the current processing time for new claims for partial capacity benefit is approximately eight weeks from the date of application; the way that this processing time can be improved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43690/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) is a social welfare scheme which allows a person to return to work or self-employment and continue to receive a payment from my department. A person must be in receipt of Illness Benefit (IB) for a minimum of six months or Invalidity Pension (IP) in order to apply for PCB. There is a two stage process application involved. The applicant first notifies my Department of their intent to take up employment and applies for PCB. My Department will determine whether the applicant is eligible and (if so) at what level the PCB would be paid. Once that decision is made the applicant must then subsequently confirm that they wish to proceed on that basis or not and confirm the date that their employment is commencing. The PCB team will then put the relevant payment in place.
From a processing time perspective, on the date the application is received it is immediately referred for medical assessment. This assessment is conducted by a qualified Medical Assessor (MA) from within my Department’s Medical Review and Assessment Section. The majority of assessments are carried out by desk assessment. However in some cases they may be referred for an In person assessment which can take longer to arrange. The applicant will qualify for PCB if their restriction on capacity for work is assessed by the MA as moderate, severe, or profound. Once a medical opinion is recorded the person concerned is notified of their potential entitlement. Currently notifications are being issued to applicants where the medical assessment is carried out at-desk within approximately 4 weeks of the original receipt of the application. Applicants are also advised at that time to notify my department with their expected employment start date. The second stage of the process can only occur once my Department receives notification that the applicant is proceeding with the employment and provides details of the expected employment start date. Once this is received their claims are processed immediately (which is generally within a week from receipt of this notification).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (1160)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:1160. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the review of the rate of disability allowance being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43698/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that my Department received correspondence from the person concerned on 09 August 2022, notifying a change of circumstances regarding her disability allowance (DA).
An information request letter was sent to this lady on 31 August 2022 to supply supporting documentation, to determine what household costs may be allowed against a maintenance payment received.
On receipt of this information a means review will be carried out on her DA rate and the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Employment Schemes
Ceisteanna (1161)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:1161. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the position regarding the local employment services provided by South Dublin County Partnership, SDCP, specifically; if the SDCP has lost the tender to provide the local employment services; if funding from her Department has been delayed to the partnership; if so, the reason for same; if her attention has been drawn to the threat of the redundancy facing 37 workers at the partnership; if she or her officials will meet with the workers representative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43717/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has recently undertaken the procurement of employment services to ensure a substantive service exists throughout the State for the first time. These new services, known as Intreo Partners, will complement the service provided in Intreo Centres to ensure the long-tern unemployment and others are given the the greatest opportunities to return to the labour market.
My Department sought tenders for lots throughout the State from all interested parties. One of the Lots in Phase two of the procurement process was South Dublin County, including the areas of Tallaght and Clondalkin. I can confirm that South Dublin County Partnership (SDCP) were notified that they were preferred bidders for this Lot on 14th of July last.
A contract was sent to South Dublin County Partnership in mid August with a view to commencing initial services on 1st September. My Department is still awaiting receipt of this signed contract. The Department has committed to providing a financial advance equivalent to an estimated three months of service value to successful bidders on completion of the contract in order to assist cashflow. On receipt of a completed contract from South Dublin County Partnership my Department will move rapidly to make these finances available.
The Department does not play any role in the staffing levels of South Dublin County Partnership but I do note that the Department's conservative financial modelling forecasts an increase in funding compared to previous employment services operated by the SDCP. Additionally, officials in my Department have engaged intensively with both SIPTU and Forsa in recent months regarding their concerns for their members employed in activation services. The most recent meeting was last week with a commitment to ongoing engagement.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (1162)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1162. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a working family payment application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43724/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Working Family Payment (WFP), formerly Family Income Supplement, is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment the customer must be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment and have at least 1 qualified child who normally resides with them. For the purposes of WFP a qualified child is deemed to be living with the applicant and aged under 18 or aged 18 to 22 and in full time education.
An application for WFP was received on 10th August 2022 from the person concerned with one child included on the claim. As the child is over 18 a letter must be provided by the relevant college confirming that the child is in full time education.
This information has been requested and when the relevant information is received, the claim will be reviewed and a deciding officer will contact the person concerned directly.
Any rate awarded will be backdated to the date of application and will be paid to the person concerned as arrears.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (1163)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:1163. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will request the Pensions Authority to extend the deadline for compliance with EU Directive IOPR II in respect of one-member pension arrangements to 1 January 2023 in order to allow for proposed changes to be made to personal retirement savings accounts; if she will consult with the Minister for Finance on this issue in the context for preparations for the Finance Act 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43736/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the supervision of compliance with the requirements of the Pensions Act 1990 (‘1990 Act’), including new IORP II related requirements introduced into that Act, is the responsibility of the Pensions Authority, which is the regulator for pensions in Ireland. The Pensions Authority is an independent statutory body and, consequently, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be possible or appropriate for me, or my officials, to interfere with the Pensions Authority’s compliance supervision function or to direct the Pensions Authority to extend any compliance deadline. Furthermore, IORP II requires Member States to ensure that competent authorities, such as the Pensions Authority, conduct their tasks in a transparent, independent and accountable manner.
Directive (EU) 2016/2341 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 on the activities and supervision of institutions for occupational retirement provision (IORPs) (‘IORP II’) became effective from 13 January 2019.
IORP II requirements were transposed into Irish law by way of the European Union (Occupational Pension Schemes) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 128 of 2021) which came into force on 22nd April 2021.
The general principle followed in respect of the transposition of IORP II, in keeping with the Government’s Roadmap for Pensions Reform, is that the requirements of IORP II apply to all schemes and trust RACs, including one-member arrangements (‘OMAs’). This is in order to ensure that all members and beneficiaries are afforded equal protection irrespective of the size of the pension arrangement. It should be noted that the decision to apply the requirements of IORP II to all schemes and trust RACs was announced by the Government in 2019 and it was expected that trustees and insurance providers would have been preparing for compliance with these requirements in advance of transposition.
In the case of OMAs established on or after S.I. No. 128 of 2021 came into force on 22nd April 2021, such arrangements are required to meet all new IORP II related requirements set out under the 1990 Act, where applicable, from the date on which they were established. From a supervision perspective, the Pensions Authority has, however, outlined that it was applying a deadline of 1st July 2022 in respect of OMA’s compliance with those new requirements.
The Report of the Interdepartmental Pensions Reform and Taxation Group (IDPRTG), which was published in late 2020, set out a number of measures to help advance the goal of simplifying and harmonising the supplementary pension landscape including some recommendations in relation to PRSAs. A group comprising officials from the relevant Departments and organisations reconvened in 2021 to consider implementation of the various recommendations. To this end, a package of measures was enacted in the Finance Act 2021 which included: the removal of a prohibition of transfers from an occupational pension scheme to a Personal Retirement Savings Account for members with more than 15 years’ service; the abolition of the Approved Minimum Retirement Fund; and the extension of an Approved Retirement Fund option to death-in-service benefits. The IDPRTG implementation group continues its work considering the various recommendations with a view to bringing further reform measures as soon as possible. In this regard, a number of proposals from the 2020 Report are currently being examined and worked on, some of which are technical in nature and others, which have wider policy implications, necessitating careful consideration through the normal policy channels.
The progression of measures relating to the taxation of PRSAs and the forthcoming Finance Bill are matters for the Department of Finance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (1164)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a fuel allowance will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied) who requires urgent assistance in respect of fuel and heating costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43746/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person referred to has been awarded invalidity pension (IP) with effect from 28 October 2021 and has been awarded fuel allowance, living alone allowance and the telephone support allowance also from 28 October 2021. She received her first weekly payment to her nominated bank account on 01 September 2022. Arrears due of IP and allowances from 28 October 2021 to 31 August 2022 will issue to her nominated bank account on 08 September 2022. The fuel season for 2022/2023 will commence week beginning 26 September 2022.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (1165)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:1165. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the review of an invalidity pension application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43759/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from 07 July 2022 and will receive his first payment to his nominated bank account on 08 September 2022. Any arrears due from 07 July 2022 to 07 September 2022 will issue in due course. The person in question was notified of this decision on 01 September 2022.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Citizens Information Services
Ceisteanna (1166)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:1166. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures she is taking to protect the role of volunteers in the Citizens Information Service. [43763/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory agency tasked with providing information, advocacy and advice to citizens. These important services are delivered by eight independent regional Citizen Information Service (CIS) companies.
The CIB provides funding to the eight CIS companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres. It is very important to note that, by law, the CIB is charged with independently overseeing the delivery of the services under its remit. Similarly, each CIS is a limited company governed by a voluntary board of directors. These companies make decisions independently on the delivery of services in their own regions.
I am mindful that this is, under statute, an operational matter for CIB and its regional CIS companies and not a matter for Ministerial direction. On foot of issues raised in the media recently, I have written to the CIB requesting that it provides me with information on the implementation of the volunteer strategy by the CIS companies. I expect to receive this in the near future.
The CIS is a trusted source of information, advice and advocacy, with a long tradition of volunteering and I have been assured by the CIB that the contribution of volunteers continues to be highly valued in this regard. Volunteers have not provided an information provision role in Citizens Information Services since March 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, but I am assured that the re-engagement of volunteers providing services to the public in offices around the country has commenced and is ongoing. Indeed, volunteers have already returned to some service locations.
Further to this, I understand the CIB has undertaken to work, as a matter of priority, with the CIS regional companies to move forward on the continuing return of volunteers to the service. In addition, an independent review of the operation of the volunteer programme within CIS companies will shortly commence to ensure that the programme remains fit-for-purpose and that volunteering in the CIS is rewarding. This will include an assessment of the Volunteer Strategy and feedback from volunteers.
Social Welfare Rates
Ceisteanna (1167)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:1167. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to restore the jobseeker’s allowance rate for those under 25 years to €208 a week; and if it is under active consideration for Budget 2023. [43765/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that I am considering a wide range of options for Budget 2023, taking account of available resources and the need to protect the most vulnerable in society.
It should be noted that the age-related reduced rate of Jobseeker's Allowance does not apply to young jobseekers who take part in a course of education, training or an employment support scheme. This rate also does not apply where a jobseeker has dependent children, or is living independently and getting a state housing support.
The estimated full year cost of increasing the age-related reduced rate of payment to €208 per week, is €66.8 million. This includes a proportionate increase for qualified adults and those on an age-reduced rate of Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
This costing is subject to change in light of emerging trends and subsequent revision of the estimated number of recipients.
I trust this clarifies the matter for for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Application Forms
Ceisteanna (1168)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1168. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on a disability allowance application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43822/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 30 June 2022. Their application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds as it was not found that they were substantially restricted in taking up employment.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 31 August 2022 and was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (1169)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:1169. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he is taking to increase the pension entitlements of full-time family carers. [43916/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government acknowledges the important role that carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. The Deputy will be aware that the current State Pension (Contributory) system includes a range of measures including PRSI Credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods (of up to 20 years) 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’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 (defined as caring for more than 20 years). It recommended that long-term carers 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 far-reaching recommendations in the Pensions Commission’s Report are being considered very carefully. My officials are examining each of the recommendations, including those related to long-term carers and I am 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 also form part of these deliberations. Once we have considered all of these matters in detail, I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.