Written Answers Nos. 494-515
494. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if there any plans to introduce a scheme for carers who are long-term carers claiming carer's allowance for ten-plus years when it comes to their State pension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government acknowledges the important role that carers play in society 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 (of up to 20 years) outside of paid employment in the calculation of a State Pension payment.
I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system on 20th September 2022. The measures, which were approved by Cabinet, are in response to the recommendations from the Commission on Pensions. The set of measures represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.
One of the reforms for which I secured Government agreement is enhanced State Pension provision for long-term carers (who have been caring in excess of 20 years), as recommended by the Pensions Commission, and to be introduced from January 2024. This will be implemented through:
- A scheme to ensure that long-term carers can be attributed with contributions for gaps in their contribution record arising from their time spent caring; and
- The establishment of a ‘Family Carer Register'.
My officials are working to implement the reforms, including the drafting of legislation and development of administrative and IT systems as necessary. As part of the work to implement the new scheme, relevant Government Departments, and other stakeholders, will examine options for the creation of a statutory ‘Family Carer Register’ to help identify long-term carers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
495. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Social Protection if multiple claimants in the same household will be eligible for the €500 bonus on the working family payment, invalidity pension, carer’s support grant, disability allowance and the blind pension or if there is a limit on one claimant per household. [49700/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend approximately €1.2 billion on a range of lump-sum payments during the coming months to help individuals and families through this difficult period.
I can confirm that the relevant payments will be paid to each eligible recipient in a household.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
496. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection the payments that have been made to An Post in each of the years 2017 to 2031 for the delivery of social welfare payments in post offices; if she will outline the calculation process for determining these payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49706/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides two main payment method options for its customers: payments in cash at post offices or payments direct to customer accounts in financial institutions. My Department intends, where possible, to continue to offer its many customers the choice of being paid in cash at the post office or directly into an account in a financial institution by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).
For some social welfare schemes, it can be mandatory for a payment to be collected in cash at a post office. For example, some social welfare scheme rules require a customer to prove that they are resident in the state and are available for work. These payment method restrictions are limited and, in most cases, a customer can choose the payment method most convenient for them.
Cash welfare payments are governed by the Department’s Cash Payment Services Contract with An Post which was signed in December 2019 and came into effect in January 2020. This contract ran for two years, from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021. After the two year contract period was completed, the Department had the option to renew the contract for a further year, which was executed.
The Cash Payment Services contract allows for 4 such annual renewals, i.e. to 31 December 2025. Given the consistently high level of service delivered by the company, it is my intention that this contract be renewed again with An Post for 2023.
The annual agency fees paid to An Post from 2017 to date (under the terms of the current and of the previous Cash Payment Services contracts) are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Agency Fee Paid |
|
2017 |
€51,565,680.00 |
|
2018 |
€50,806,680.00 |
|
2019 |
€49,760,632.00 |
|
2020* |
€51,826,256.00 |
|
2021** |
€49,506,400.00 |
*Agency fees are paid in advance to An Post in monthly instalments with a final reconciliation carried out in the following year. The 2020 agency fee was €47,965,624.00 based on the level of transactions carried out by An Post that year. However, the company was also owed an outstanding balance carried forward of €3,860,632.00 which resulted in a final pay over of €51,826,256.00.
**The 2021 fee figure is provisional pending the final sign-off on the 2021 figures by both the Department and the company. This formal sign-off is expected to be carried out shortly.
The fees are calculated on a transaction basis as set out in the publicly tendered contract. The transaction fees are set out in three bands. The first band fee relates to the first 10 million payments cashed by An Post, the second band relates to the next 10 million transactions cashed by An Post and the third band relates to each subsequent payment cashed. The actual transaction fees set out in each of the three bands cannot be released due to the commercial nature of the contract and to comply with both national and EU procurement rules.
497. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if the once-off payment for carer’s, recently announced in Budget 23, will be issued once per carer or once per care recipient similar to the carer’s support grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49718/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe €500 Cost of Living payment referred to by the Deputy is a lump sum payment to those carers who are eligible for the Carer’s Support Grant. Unlike the Carer’s Support Grant, which is paid in respect of each person being cared for, the new lump sum payment is a single lump sum paid to the carer, irrespective of the number of persons being cared for, in response to the current cost of living crisis. This payment will be made in November. . Recipients of Domiciliary Care Allowance will also receive the €500 Carer’s Support Grant.
It is worth noting that in circumstances where the care recipient is in receipt of a long-term disability payment of Disability Allowance, Blind Pension or Invalidity Pension in their own right, they too will receive the €500 Cost of Living lump-sum Payment in November.
The €500 Cost of Living payment is part of a range of measures put in place for carers as part of Budget 2023. Other measures announced include:
- Cost of Living Double Payment to Carers in October
- Carers will also receive the Christmas Bonus Double Payment in early December
- €12 increase in the maximum rate of Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit with effect from January 2023 with proportionate increases for people receiving a reduced rate
- €2 increase for each Qualified Child, bringing rates to €50 for Over 12s and €42 for Under 12s from January 2023
- Half-rate Carer’s Allowance will be disregarded in the means assessment for Fuel Allowance with effect from January 2023
The Government acknowledges the important role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy.
I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to keep the range of income supports provided to family carers by this Department under review and will ensure that consultations with carer representative groups continue so that the overall objectives of the carer income support schemes provided are met.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
498. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision will be made on an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49730/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Department received an application for disability allowance (DA) from the person concerned on 08 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 09 July 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).
Further medical evidence was received, and a review of this decision was carried out. The original decision was upheld, and the person concerned was notified in writing on 12 September 2022.
The person in question has lodged an appeal with SWAO and they will be in touch with the person in due course in relation to the progress of the appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
499. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Social Protection the process through which a person (details supplied) can have their name changed to their married name on their Public Services Card. [49734/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new Public Services Card showing the married name of the person concerned has been ordered and will issue in the coming days.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
500. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) who is in receipt of a disablement pension of €190 per month is entitled to the fuel allowance. [49742/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April.
Under the current qualifying conditions, a person will not qualify for fuel allowance if they are in receipt of disablement benefit. As the person concerned is in receipt of the state pension (contributory) and disablement benefit, they are currently not eligible for fuel allowance.
As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced that, as part of the Budget 2023 package, the disablement benefit and half-rate carer’s allowance will be disregarded in the means test for fuel allowance from January 2023. I have arranged for a fuel allowance application form to issue to the person concerned. On receipt of the completed application form, their entitlement will be examined.
I hope this clarifies the position.
501. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if assistance is available to an employer to take on Ukrainian refugees and to assist in the necessary training. [49749/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD), my Department is providing income support and employment services to assist those people arriving in Ireland who have fled the war in Ukraine. As of 5 October, a total of 56,445 Public Personal Service Numbers or PPSNs have been allocated. Of these 36,104 were in respect of people aged between 18 – 65.
Officers from the Employer Relations team in my Department are working closely with employers across all sectors of the economy who wish to support Ukrainians through provision of employment opportunities. Employers are requested to register on www.jobsireland.ie to advertise vacancies. We advise all Ukrainians seeking employment that they can access the JobsIreland service directly and may upload details of their skills and experience. This enables Intreo Employment Services Officers to match the skills of those seeking employment with available work opportunities. The resources and job opportunities available are also promoted through social media in Ukrainian and Russian.
Ukrainians entering Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive, are entitled to the same employment supports as those available to EU citizens. These supports help jobseekers, including Ukrainians, to prepare for and secure employment. The key service provided is one-on-one engagements where a range of different options are explored which can include various levels of training to support people into employment opportunities.
Intreo Employment Services arranged employment support events specifically for Ukrainians. At these events, details of Ukrainians proficiency in English, their qualifications, employment history and employment preferences are determined to assist with job matching. As of September 30th, employment services staff have engaged with 19,082 persons fleeing the war in Ukraine at these events. My staff are also working closely with education and training boards to facilitate access to relevant training supports, including English language training.
Records from the Revenue Commissioners as of October 3rd show 9,520 individuals in paid employment with respect to a total 11,158 employments with 4,080 employers.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
502. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider adjusting the means test for the carer's allowance in order that reasonable mortgage repayments for the primary residence would be subtracted from the applicant's overall means; if she will consider taking the number of dependants in a household into account as part of the means test for carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49754/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.
By its nature, the means test takes account of the income a person or couple has in terms of cash, property - other than the family home - and capital. It does not take account of a person’s expenditure.
In Budget 2022, I announced significant improvements to the means test for Carer's Allowance, in recognition of the vital role that carers play in society.
The general weekly income disregard for Carer's Allowance increased from June 2022 from €332.50 to €350 for a single person, and from €665 to €750 for a couple. This will enable more carers with modest incomes to become eligible for the scheme, and those currently in receipt of a reduced payment may now receive a higher payment.
The capital disregard was also increased in June from €20,000 to €50,000 for Carer’s Allowance. This will allow carers who have accumulated savings, often to provide care for a loved one, to retain an entitlement to Carer's Allowance.
Recently, as part of Budget 2023, I announced a €12 increase in weekly payments from next January. This includes Carer's Allowance. I am also increasing the Qualified Child rate by €2 per week, and the Domiciliary Care Allowance will increase to €330 per month.
Carers on a weekly payment will receive a double payment in October, a once-off payment of €500 in November, and a Christmas Bonus in December, which will help families to meet household costs.
Introducing a rent or mortgage disregard for Carer's Allowance would have significant budgetary implications and would give rise to inconsistencies in how means tests are applied across schemes. It would also significantly increase the complexity of the means assessment. Any changes in this regard would have to be considered in the overall policy context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
503. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) for a disability allowance will be expedited due to extenuating circumstances in the case. [49760/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 07 September 2022. The first payment will be made by her chosen payment method on 26 October 2022
Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments (if applicable).
Based on the information provided to the Department, the person concerned does not meet the requirements to qualify for fuel allowance as their household includes people who are not in receipt of a qualifying payment
The person concerned was notified of these decisions in writing on 06 October 2022
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
504. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if recipients will receive a one-off payment for each grant that they are in receipt of, following the one-off payment for recipients of the carer’s support grant announced in Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49792/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the cost of living measures announced alongside Budget 2023, people in receipt of the Carer's Support Grant will receive a lump sum payment of €500 in November 2022.
I can confirm that one payment will be made per recipient of the Carer's Support Grant. If a person receives multiple Carer's Support Grants, they will receive one lump sum payment.
Those receiving a weekly carer's payment will also receive a double payment in October 2022, a Christmas Bonus double payment, and will receive a higher personal rate of payment and an increase for any qualified children from January 2023 onwards.
Recipients of the Domiciliary Care Allowance will also receive the €500 Carer’s Support Grant and from January, the monthly Domiciliary Care Allowance Payment will be increased by €20.50 to €330.
In addition, Half-rate Carer's Allowance will be disregarded in the means test for Fuel Allowance from January 2023 onwards. These additional measures are in recognition of the vital role that carers play in society.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
505. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide clarification as to the social welfare recipients who are eligible for the lump-sum payment announced as part of Budget 2023. [49795/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend approximately €1.2 billion in measures during the coming months to help individuals and families through this difficult period.
The Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment will be paid to those schemes which are eligible to receive the Christmas Bonus, with one important addition - the removal of the 12-month duration requirement for certain schemes - allowing short-term jobseekers and Supplementary Welfare Allowance customers to qualify for the October support.
In November, the following payments will be made:
Recipients of Child Benefit will receive a double payment;
A lump sum payment of €400 to all Fuel Allowance recipients;
A lump sum payment of €200 to recipients of the Living Alone Allowance;
A €500 Disability Support Grant to recipients of Disability Allowance, Blind Pension and Invalidity Pension;
A €500 Carer's Support Grant (includes recipients of Domiciliary Care Allowance);
A lump sum payment of €500 to recipients of the Working Family Payment.
In December, a Christmas Bonus Double Payment will be paid to long-term social welfare recipients.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
506. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of supplementary welfare offices in west Cork; if it is correct that Bandon and Castletownbere community welfare offices have been closed and that all correspondence is now being directed to Abbey Court House, George's Quay, Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49801/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra507. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will detail the plans to centralise community welfare officers in County Meath; the number and location of community welfare officers in the county now and post-reform; the timeline for same; the way in which she has assessed the impact of the proposed changes on service users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49944/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that concerns have been raised recently in local media in relation to the Community Welfare Offices in Trim and Kells.
There is, nor has there been, any plan to remove the Community Welfare Services from the Department’s offices in Kells and Trim. Community Welfare Officers continue to meet with customers in the Branch Offices in Kells and Trim and remain available to travel to meet customers if required.
The delivery of Community Welfare Services to meet the needs of citizens across the country remains a priority for the Department.
The Department has maintained staffing levels in its Community Welfare Service nationwide, reflective of the commitment given to continue to support the delivery of locally based services to customers.
508. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of making the entitlement to fuel allowance automatic for persons aged over 80 years. [49993/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €366 million in 2022. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household.
It is not possible for my Department to provide an estimate of the cost of the measure outlined by the Deputy. The additional cost to the scheme will depend on a number of factors including if it was intended to award Fuel Allowance to all persons aged over 80 years, irrespective of whether Fuel Allowance is already in payment in a household or that the person aged over 80 years is resident in a dwelling such as a nursing home where their heating needs are provided for.
Any estimate will also need to take account of the significant expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme which I announced in Budget 2023 and in particular those measures extending the Fuel Allowance to the over 70s. It is estimated these measures combined will bring an additional 81,000 households into the Fuel Allowance Scheme from January with a significant proportion of these additional household belonging to persons aged 80 or over.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
509. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount that she has made provision for in respect of the pandemic unemployment payment for the remainder of 2022 and Quarter 1 2023. [50017/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has made a provision of €75 million for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment for the whole of 2022.
On 27th September 2022, as part of the Budget 2023 announcement, my department made a provision of €100,000 for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in 2023.
In line with the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan, Pandemic Unemployment Payments gradually changed over a 6-month period, from September 2021 to February 2022, to align it with standard jobseeker payments.
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment scheme has been closed since April 2022.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
510. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when the free fuel allowance will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50050/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April to assist households with their energy costs.
Officials in my department are currently managing large volumes of applications for fuel allowance. If the person concerned has recently submitted an application for fuel allowance it will be dealt with in due course.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, Exceptional Needs Payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources, and this may include exceptional heating costs. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
511. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the breakdown of exceptional needs payments under the supplementary welfare allowance paid in each month; the total and individual value of each payment; and the total expenditure by category and month from January 2021 to September 2022, inclusive in tabular form. [50090/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may 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 customer’s own resources and which are deemed to be necessary.
The schemes are demand led and 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.
While it is not possible to show the payment value for each individual Exceptional Needs Payment (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payment (UNPs) paid for the months in question, tables 1 and 2 show the breakdown by category of the number and total expenditure of ENPs and UNPs paid in each of the months for January 2021 to end of September 2022.
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.
Tabular Statement
Table 1 - The number by category of ENPs and UNPs paid for January 2021 to end of September 2022
|
Months |
Bills |
Child Related |
Clothing |
Funeral |
General |
Housing |
Illness |
Urgent Needs Payment |
Totals |
|
Jan-21 |
115 |
159 |
651 |
194 |
1,053 |
1,678 |
94 |
30 |
3,974 |
|
Feb-21 |
148 |
167 |
749 |
248 |
1,087 |
2,055 |
121 |
31 |
4,606 |
|
Mar-21 |
168 |
200 |
746 |
257 |
1,322 |
2,626 |
120 |
28 |
5,467 |
|
Apr-21 |
163 |
156 |
609 |
224 |
1,118 |
2,327 |
95 |
20 |
4,712 |
|
May-21 |
156 |
171 |
698 |
229 |
1,082 |
2,231 |
113 |
23 |
4,703 |
|
Jun-21 |
137 |
167 |
669 |
186 |
1,049 |
2,191 |
107 |
30 |
4,536 |
|
Jul-21 |
139 |
180 |
612 |
193 |
1,049 |
2,150 |
95 |
33 |
4,451 |
|
Aug-21 |
120 |
174 |
612 |
180 |
967 |
2,079 |
123 |
22 |
4,277 |
|
Sep-21 |
117 |
198 |
743 |
173 |
1,139 |
2,028 |
118 |
18 |
4,534 |
|
Oct-21 |
124 |
161 |
865 |
202 |
1,213 |
2,009 |
102 |
24 |
4,700 |
|
Nov-21 |
147 |
193 |
975 |
222 |
1,298 |
2,117 |
115 |
36 |
5,103 |
|
Dec-21 |
106 |
129 |
809 |
137 |
1,351 |
1,844 |
75 |
38 |
4,489 |
|
Jan-22 |
125 |
129 |
531 |
193 |
941 |
1,557 |
94 |
26 |
3,596 |
|
Feb-22 |
148 |
170 |
630 |
252 |
1,086 |
1,834 |
104 |
25 |
4,249 |
|
Mar-22 |
197 |
172 |
1,280 |
238 |
1,512 |
1,781 |
103 |
45 |
5,328 |
|
Apr-22 |
119 |
158 |
2,128 |
217 |
1,462 |
1,549 |
78 |
41 |
5,752 |
|
May-22 |
174 |
222 |
4,843 |
267 |
1,602 |
1,703 |
84 |
26 |
8,921 |
|
Jun-22 |
188 |
171 |
4,747 |
250 |
1,801 |
1,810 |
118 |
54 |
9,139 |
|
Jul-22 |
296 |
137 |
4,324 |
141 |
1,719 |
1,668 |
81 |
78 |
8,444 |
|
Aug-22 |
492 |
224 |
5,093 |
211 |
2,373 |
2,506 |
113 |
74 |
11,086 |
|
Sep-22 |
444 |
191 |
3743 |
222 |
2511 |
2103 |
107 |
80 |
9,401 |
|
TOTAL |
3,823 |
3,629 |
36,057 |
4,436 |
28,735 |
41,846 |
2,160 |
782 |
121,468 |
Table 2 - The total expenditure by category of ENPs and UNPs paid for January 2021 to end of September 2022
|
Months |
Bills |
Child Related |
Clothing |
Funeral |
General |
Housing |
Illness |
Urgent Needs Payment |
Total |
|
Jan-21 |
€84,015 |
€24,210 |
€81,051 |
€390,827 |
€231,935 |
€1,976,352 |
€11,880 |
€12,427 |
€2,812,697 |
|
Feb-21 |
€111,582 |
€26,675 |
€89,711 |
€518,642 |
€251,606 |
€2,328,281 |
€16,019 |
€18,001 |
€3,360,517 |
|
Mar-21 |
€104,670 |
€29,525 |
€89,076 |
€552,178 |
€300,645 |
€3,275,510 |
€15,738 |
€10,289 |
€4,377,631 |
|
Apr-21 |
€119,405 |
€27,119 |
€72,027 |
€454,874 |
€229,397 |
€2,759,139 |
€13,300 |
€9,399 |
€3,684,660 |
|
May-21 |
€106,685 |
€25,205 |
€84,406 |
€466,549 |
€219,229 |
€2,708,716 |
€15,477 |
€12,974 |
€3,639,241 |
|
Jun-21 |
€80,173 |
€24,362 |
€83,440 |
€382,794 |
€228,527 |
€2,709,160 |
€15,530 |
€13,959 |
€3,537,945 |
|
Jul-21 |
€119,659 |
€26,360 |
€74,067 |
€397,751 |
€206,179 |
€2,621,736 |
€13,587 |
€26,590 |
€3,485,929 |
|
Aug-21 |
€96,788 |
€28,052 |
€71,996 |
€369,871 |
€187,127 |
€2,726,299 |
€18,497 |
€14,171 |
€3,512,801 |
|
Sep-21 |
€91,650 |
€31,220 |
€93,637 |
€362,723 |
€239,570 |
€2,391,710 |
€17,359 |
€7,384 |
€3,235,253 |
|
Oct-21 |
€77,283 |
€26,622 |
€104,760 |
€432,183 |
€272,448 |
€2,319,620 |
€13,560 |
€11,053 |
€3,257,529 |
|
Nov-21 |
€112,727 |
€31,373 |
€117,494 |
€444,204 |
€290,335 |
€2,600,017 |
€19,440 |
€21,913 |
€3,637,503 |
|
Dec-21 |
€64,757 |
€21,230 |
€103,877 |
€312,845 |
€327,786 |
€2,387,573 |
€13,883 |
€36,016 |
€3,267,967 |
|
Jan-22 |
€79,198 |
€18,870 |
€62,247 |
€421,974 |
€205,818 |
€2,019,290 |
€14,431 |
€9,066 |
€2,830,894 |
|
Feb-22 |
€79,721 |
€26,220 |
€74,844 |
€576,924 |
€224,198 |
€2,317,537 |
€16,325 |
€26,693 |
€3,342,462 |
|
Mar-22 |
€99,643 |
€26,369 |
€164,728 |
€571,588 |
€340,060 |
€2,386,875 |
€16,759 |
€38,115 |
€3,644,137 |
|
Apr-22 |
€66,165 |
€25,320 |
€340,818 |
€501,042 |
€365,468 |
€2,061,725 |
€10,035 |
€14,885 |
€3,385,458 |
|
May-22 |
€113,191 |
€38,210 |
€798,276 |
€642,411 |
€345,398 |
€2,650,575 |
€12,654 |
€22,415 |
€4,623,130 |
|
Jun-22 |
€122,521 |
€29,990 |
€697,212 |
€648,871 |
€444,840 |
€2,883,745 |
€19,996 |
€56,095 |
€4,903,270 |
|
Jul-22 |
€177,326 |
€24,095 |
€626,443 |
€371,733 |
€545,235 |
€2,933,566 |
€12,704 |
€45,603 |
€4,736,705 |
|
Aug-22 |
€301,079 |
€38,043 |
€720,474 |
€544,596 |
€858,325 |
€3,989,895 |
€16,630 |
€46,307 |
€6,515,348 |
|
Sep-22 |
€259,544 |
€37,443 |
€486,975 |
€617,015 |
€1,018,574 |
€3,315,230 |
€16,090 |
€66,384 |
€5,817,255 |
|
TOTAL |
€2,467,782 |
€586,513 |
€5,037,559 |
€9,981,595 |
€7,332,700 |
€55,362,551 |
€319,894 |
€519,739 |
€81,608,332 |
Note: These figures are taken from the Department's ENP/UNP database and represent a snapshot of ENPs/UNPs as they are approved by an officer rather than when they are paid. The figures do not capture payments that are cancelled, payments that go out of date or overpayments recouped and therefore will not reconcile with the end of year outturn figures.
512. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the changes in relation to fuel allowance in Budget 2023 (details supplied). [50094/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €366 million in 2022. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. Only one allowance is paid per household.
In Budget 2023, I was pleased to announce the largest ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance Scheme. As part of this, from January 2023, a new means test will be introduced for over 70s. Under the new means test, a single person over 70 will be able to have income of €500 per week and a couple will be able to have income of €1,000 per week and still qualify for Fuel Allowance
Also, from January 2023, the standard means test for persons under 70 will be increased by €80 from €120 to €200 over the maximum rate of State Pension Contributory. In addition, the Disablement Benefit and the half-rate Carer's Allowance payment will be disregarded when assessing means for Fuel Allowance purposes.
It is estimated these measures combined will bring up to 81,000 households into the Fuel Allowance Scheme. My Department is already working on developing the IT and administrative systems to give effect to these changes.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
513. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the appeal timeframe for social welfare refusals from 21 days to 30 days to allow for GP's letters to be issued to applicants ahead of the winter. [50112/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
In the case of a decision made by a Deciding Officer/Designated Person of the Department, any person who is dissatisfied with that decision may, by giving notice of appeal to the Chief Appeals Officer within the statutory time limit of 21 days from the date of the decision, have the question referred to an Appeals Officer for determination. A notice of appeal made after the 21-day period may be accepted with the approval of the Chief Appeals Officer.
The notice of appeal must contain a statement of the facts and contentions upon which the person concerned intends to rely. The statutory procedures require that the notice of appeal be accompanied by whatever documentary evidence the person concerned wishes to submit in support of the appeal. In practice, however, documentary evidence such as medical letters submitted subsequent to the notice of appeal will be considered by the Appeals Officer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
514. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when a reply will issue to a person (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50113/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application was received for fuel allowance from the person concerned on 08 September 2022
Fuel allowance is a means tested payment, payable to people who either live alone or only with certain other qualified people.
Based on the information provided to the Department, the person does not qualify for the allowance as their household consists of people who are not in a qualifying category.
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 16 September 2022
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
515. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address the anomaly whereby a person (details supplied) who is in receipt of a State pension and who fulfils the means criteria for receipt of the fuel allowance is ineligible for the allowance if they are residing with a pensioner who is not in receipt of a qualifying payment from the Department, but are in receipt of an occupational pension from another Government body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50141/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
