Written Answers Nos. 113-132
113. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education the reason that the DEIS status was not granted to a school (details supplied) despite approximately 80% of its student population residing in an area of extreme social and economic disadvantage; and if she will provide the school's ranking within the refined DEIS identification and its scores on the Pobal HP Deprivation index. [52281/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March I was glad to be able to announce a major expansion of the DEIS – Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme which means that, for the first time since 2017, the programme is being significantly expanded and eligible schools will now gain access to targeted supports to address educational disadvantage. This will add an additional €32million to my Department’s expenditure on the DEIS progamme from 2023, bringing the 2023 allocation to in the region of €180million.
Schools were identified for inclusion in the programme through the refined DEIS identification model which is an objective, statistics based model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme and the model has been applied fairly and equally to all schools.
The DEIS identification process aims to identify those schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage or the highest proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school. The model uses information from the school’s individual enrolment database and 2016 national census data as represented by the Pobal HP Deprivation index. The model takes into account the student cohort and the relative disadvantage within a given school. The DEIS identification model takes into consideration the significant educational disadvantage experienced by Traveller and Roma learners and by students residing in direct provision or emergency homeless accommodation.
A detailed paper on the refined DEIS identification model is available on gov.ie at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a3c9e-extension-of-deis-to-further-schools/#how-schools-were-selected-for-inclusion-in-deis
Schools that were not satisfied with the outcome following the application of the DEIS identification model to their school enrolment data were provided with the opportunity to have that outcome reviewed. The details of the Appeals process is outlined in Circular 0019/2022 which can be found on the gov.ie website.
Following the processing of the appeal received from the school in question regrettably there was no change to the outcome of the initial application of the refined DEIS identification model to the school. My Department, however, will continue to support the school and the school community as they deliver high quality, inclusive teaching and learning to their students and young learners. The DEIS appeals process was applied fairly across all appellants and the results are final.
It is important to note that the extension of the DEIS programme to new schools is just one phase of work in my vision for an inclusive education system which supports all learners to achieve their potential. While the DEIS programme supports those schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage, I recognise that there are students at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools. Conscious of this, and recognising the need to target resources to those schools that need them most, the next phase of work will explore the allocation of resources to schools to tackle educational disadvantage. Part of this programme of work will involve consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
In addition to this, following the National Census 2022 held on the 3rd April last it is envisaged that an updated HP Deprivation Index will be generated by Pobal and will be available in Q3 of 2023. My Department will engage with Pobal in relation to this process. The updated HP Deprivation Index, when available, can be considered by my Department to inform future resource allocation to tackle educational disadvantage.
114. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education when a school build project (details supplied) will move to the tender stage. [52295/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to advise the Deputy that the major building project for the school in question was authorised to proceed to tender stage on 23rd September 2022.
115. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that the developing school post at a school (details supplied) in County Meath is retained, the loss of which would result in the amalgamation of classes and increase class ratio size in a town which has a growing population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52309/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
The staffing arrangements include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts, using projected enrolment. These posts are approved provisionally pending confirmation of enrolment on 30th September.
The staffing process also contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal to retain the additional post allocated earlier this year. The appeal will be considered shortly and the school will be notified of the outcome of the appeal before the end of the month.
116. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 96 of 12 October 2022, the number of applicants from County Monaghan for the school transport scheme in 2022 who have yet to receive a bus ticket; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52317/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
School Transport ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
All children who are eligible and who completed the application and registration process on time will be accommodated in the 2022 school year. In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th July.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary, applicants and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat on when all eligible children have been catered for.
The information cannot be provided in the manner requested by the Deputy as applications are still being assessed and numbers are still being finalised for the 2022/23 school year.
However, Bus Éireann has advised that as of 12th October 2022, 3949 mainstream tickets have been issued in county Monaghan which includes tickets issued to eligible pupils and those travelling on a concessionary basis.
Following the budgetary process some additional funding has been approved for the scheme which will allow officials in consultation with Bus Éireann to consider and evaluate where temporary additional capacity may be available.
The initial focus will be where families applied on time and who previously held concessionary tickets, however, it is important to stress that this is subject to capacity considerations. Constraints in sourcing vehicles and drivers in certain areas of the country may also mean that it may take a number of weeks to explore solutions for additional capacity.
117. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on an application by a school (details supplied) for a school building; and if she will provide a timeline for commencement and completion of the works. [52362/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme, from the school in question.
My officials were recently in touch with the school authorities for additional information in order to assess this application. This information has now been received and the application will be assessed, and the school authorities will be notified of the decision directly.
120. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided for a pupil (details supplied). [52373/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil to which the Deputy refers is not eligible for transport as they are attending their third nearest post primary centre.
The pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2022/23 school year. The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present.
As part of the budgetary process some additional funding has been approved for the scheme which will allow officials in consultation with Bus Éireann to consider and evaluate where temporary additional capacity may be available.
The initial focus will be where families applied on time and who previously held concessionary tickets, however, it is important to stress that this is subject to capacity considerations. Constraints in sourcing vehicles and drivers in certain areas of the country may also mean that it may take a number of weeks to explore solutions for additional capacity.
121. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to an additional accommodation project for a school (details supplied) which is with her Department since October 2020; if she will request that her Department makes contact with consultants who are acting on the school's behalf and are still awaiting feedback from her Department since their meeting in July 2022 regarding defining a template to streamline stage 1 reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52446/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was granted funding under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme 2021 to provide one mainstream classroom with en-suite toilets, one assisted user WC and one SET Room.
This project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority and is currently at the Design stage. It is now a matter for the Board of Management to advance this project in that context. Department officials met with the appointed consultant for this project in July 2022. When the consultant has finalised the relevant stage report in respect of this project, it should be submitted to the Department via the school, as is the normal process for all projects under the ASA Scheme.
122. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if an eligible pupil (details supplied) in County Mayo will be provided with school transport, in light of the additional funding which was approved in Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52447/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme, however, a ticket request was received after the closing date of 29th July. All existing services in the area are operating at capacity.
It is important to note that the application deadline for 2022/23 was 29 April 2022, and that the deadline to confirm registration for tickets was 29 July 2022. Any application completed after this date is a ‘late application’ and therefore, many school transport services are already operating at full capacity. Late applications will only be assessed after all “on time” applications have been processed and there can be no guarantee of places for late applicants.
As part of the budgetary process some additional funding has been approved for the scheme which will allow officials in consultation with Bus Éireann to consider and evaluate where temporary additional capacity may be available.
The initial focus will be where families applied and registered on time and who previously held concessionary tickets, however, it is important to stress that this is subject to capacity considerations. Constraints in sourcing vehicles and drivers in certain areas of the country may also mean that it may take a number of weeks to explore solutions for additional capacity.
Bus Éireann will liaise directly with families where such services have been sourced in the coming weeks.
123. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to correspondence from a person (details supplied); her plans to address the concerns raised by this school principal; the measures that are being taken to alleviate the obstacles and alleviate the current crisis in obtaining substitute teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52448/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Circular Letter 0032/2007 and Circular Letter 0054/2019, details the agreed terms and conditions for the main leave types currently available to teachers, including the provision for substitute cover. My Department’s Circular Letter 0033/2013 permits a primary school to utilise their Supervision Hours to cover absences including, all uncertified sick leave absences, and the first day of Force Majeure Leave and Illness in Family Leave.
As stated in Circular Letter 0054/2019, each employer should have a policy on teacher absences, specific to the needs of their school. The welfare and educational needs of the pupils must take precedence over all other considerations and have due regard to the capacity of the school to meet its obligations to its pupils. Individual employers may therefore have to apply a limit to the number of teaching staff that may avail of non-statutory leave (e.g. Career Break, Job-Sharing) at any one time. An employer must take into account the availability of an appropriately qualified replacement teacher when making a decision on a teacher’s leave application.
Under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998, the Minister for Education, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, is authorised to determine the terms and conditions of employment for teachers employed in approved teaching posts funded by monies provided by the Oireachtas.
Any changes to the current substitution provision available to teachers would widen the scope of the current leave schemes in place and would be considered cost-increasing in nature. The Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) forms part of the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers, the purpose of which is to provide a forum for claims and proposals relating to the salary, and other terms and conditions of service for teachers. The Council is comprised of representatives from the Teacher Unions, the School Management Bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education. The TCC is independently chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission. In relation to the details supplied, it is open to the individual to raise the matter with their Teacher Union.
Regarding teacher supply, my Department runs a comprehensive programme of work to support the supply of teachers at primary level.
Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) will represent a new source of supply in the 2022/23 school year. In excess of 3,450 primary and post-primary NQTs have had their registrations finalised by the Teaching Council to date with 35 further applications currently in progress.
The Teaching Council recently made regulations allowing for the registration of 3rd and 4th year undergraduate ITE students under a new registration route, Route 5 (Student Teachers). Approximately 1,300 undergraduate student teachers have applied for registration under Cycle 1 of Route 5 registrations. Cycle 2 of Route 5 registrations commenced in early October. Once registered with the Teaching Council, such student teachers can be employed by a school to cover substitutable vacancies.
Sub Seeker, a central portal for short-term substitute vacancies, was jointly developed by IPPN / NAPD in accordance with the Teacher Supply Action Plan and launched in December 2019. The portal matches available primary and post-primary teachers with short-term substitute vacancies. More than 11,800 teachers have registered with Sub Seeker to date.
Significant additional posts have also been allocated to the primary substitute teacher supply panels in areas where significant challenges in sourcing substitution continue, bringing the total to 610 posts on 151 panels, covering approximately 2,800 schools.
The supply panels work alongside the existing methods of sourcing substitute teachers, such as Sub Seeker, the national substitution portal service referred to above and schools can also make local arrangements to have their own regular substitutes to call on if needed.
On a temporary basis for the 2022/23 school year, Job-Sharing teachers may be employed to work in a substitute capacity in any school, during the period they are rostered off duty. Teachers on Career Break may carry out unlimited substitute work for the 2022/23 school year.
My Department will continue, with the cooperation of the Education Partners, to develop and implement measures to address challenges faced by schools and to support the supply of teachers to our schools.
124. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of schools identified as non-compliant with the provisions of the 2015 Arbitration Agreement in relation to school secretaries and caretakers employed by the schools through the capitation grant scheme from 2019 to date in 2022, by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52454/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMost schools hire secretarial and secretarial and caretaking services under grant schemes and responsibility for terms of employment rests with the school. As a result, my Department does not hold data on such staff.
On foot of a Chairman’s Note to the Lansdowne Road Agreement, my Department engaged with the Unions representing school secretaries and caretakers, including through an independent arbitration process in 2015. The increases recommended by the Arbitrator were binding and must be applied by all schools who employ staff to whom the Arbitrator’s recommendation applies. Additional monies were made available to fund this increase and the process was set out in a number of circulars issued to schools.
In 2019, following a survey, some 71 (10% of respondents) schools who responded appeared to be not in compliance with the decision. These were again written to reminding them of the obligations. Just 17% of schools responded so a breakdown at county level is not statistically significant. It should be noted that some schools confirmed there had been a calculation error and the secretary was in fact paid in compliance with the decision.
My Department will be gathering data on school secretaries from schools in the near future as part of the implementation of the recent agreement on school secretary terms and conditions. This data will be analysed and where there appears to be issues of compliance with the decision my Department will bring this to the school's attention.
125. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of voluntary secondary schools and private schools which receive assistance in the form of the capitation grant to provide for secretarial caretaking services from 2019 to date in 2022, by county in tabular form; the system used to decide the allocation to each school to allow them to meet the particular needs of their school; the supervision utilised to ensure that persons employed in these roles are appropriately renumerated and have the relevant employment conditions applied in each situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to all recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services/ school services support fund (SSSF) grants. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management has the flexibility to allocate according to its own priorities.
In addition to the above, Voluntary Secondary Schools receive Secretarial and Caretaker Grants. Schools employing secretaries or caretakers under the 1978 scheme do not receive these Secretary/Caretaker grants.
Boards of Management of schools are responsible for the employment of grant funded ancillary staff and it is a matter for each school to determine the level of ancillary services required.
The amount paid to an individual school is determined by the school’s enrolment.
Fee charging schools do not receive capitation or ancillary grants from my Department.
Further information is available in the relevant circulars on my Departments website at the links below.
Voluntary Secondary schools capitation grant 0052/2020 - gov.ie - Revision of Capitation Grant Rates for Voluntary Secondary Schools in the Free Education Scheme (www.gov.ie)
Voluntary Secondary schools support services grant 0082/2020 - gov.ie - Revision of Schools Support Staff Funding Grant Rates for Voluntary Secondary Schools in the Free Education Scheme (www.gov.ie)
The table below shows the number of Voluntary Secondary Schools which received capitation and SSSF grants in the years 2019 to date. The information is not readily available by county at this time.
|
Voluntary Secondary Schools |
2019/2020 |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
2022/2023 |
|
Capitation Grant |
330 |
332 |
334 |
334 |
|
SSSF Grant |
330 |
332 |
334 |
334 |
|
Basic Caretaker |
318 |
320 |
322 |
322 |
|
SSSF Caretaker |
322 |
324 |
326 |
326 |
|
Basic Secretary |
230 |
235 |
244 |
247 |
|
SSSF Secretary |
234 |
239 |
248 |
251 |
126. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the amount made available to pay school caretakers in respect of the capitation grant scheme from 2019 to date in 2022, by county in tabular form. [52456/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to all recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services/ school services support fund (SSSF) grants. These grants may be regarded as a common grant, from which the Board of Management has the flexibility to allocate, according to its own priorities. Boards of Management of schools are responsible for the employment of grant funded ancillary staff and it is a matter for each school to determine the level of ancillary services required.
The amount paid to an individual school is determined by the school’s enrolment.
Further information is available in the relevant circulars on my Departments website at the links below.
Primary capitation grant circular 0038/2020 - gov.ie - Revision of Capitation Grant Rates for recognised Primary Schools in 2020 (www.gov.ie)
Primary ancillary services Circular 0017/2021- gov.ie - Revision of Grant Rates in 2021 for Boards of Management of Recognised Primary Schools or by ETBs in Community National Schools using Ancillary Services Grant funding (www.gov.ie)
Voluntary Secondary schools capitation grant 0052/2020- gov.ie - Revision of Capitation Grant Rates for Voluntary Secondary Schools in the Free Education Scheme (www.gov.ie)
Voluntary Secondary schools support services grant 0082/2020 - gov.ie - Revision of Schools Support Staff Funding Grant Rates for Voluntary Secondary Schools in the Free Education Scheme (www.gov.ie)
The tables below include the expenditure for capitation related grants for Primary and Voluntary Secondary Schools for the period of 2019 to date. The information is not readily available by county at this time.
|
Primary Schools |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 to date |
|
Capitation |
111,511,105 |
116,645,545 |
118,105,614 |
118,150,657 |
|
Ancillary |
96,318,212 |
97,657,785 |
98,537,143 |
98,568,059 |
|
Voluntary Secondary Schools |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 to date |
|
Capitation |
45,831,717 |
48,748,122 |
51,119,128 |
35,039,502 |
|
Combined Caretakers Grant |
5,646,661 |
5,642,518 |
5,667,588 |
3,835,011 |
127. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the amount made available to pay school secretaries in respect of the capitation grant scheme from 2019 to date in 2022, by county in tabular form. [52457/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to all recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services/ school services support fund (SSSF) grants. These grants may be regarded as a common grant, from which the Board of Management has the flexibility to allocate, according to its own priorities. Boards of Management of schools are responsible for the employment of grant funded ancillary staff and it is a matter for each school to determine the level of ancillary services required.
The amount paid to an individual school is determined by the school’s enrolment.
Further information is available in the relevant circulars on my Departments website at the links below.
Primary capitation grant circular 0038/2020 - gov.ie - Revision of Capitation Grant Rates for recognised Primary Schools in 2020 (www.gov.ie)
Primary ancillary services Circular 0017/2021- gov.ie - Revision of Grant Rates in 2021 for Boards of Management of Recognised Primary Schools or by ETBs in Community National Schools using Ancillary Services Grant funding (www.gov.ie)
Voluntary Secondary schools capitation grant 0052/2020 - gov.ie - Revision of Capitation Grant Rates for Voluntary Secondary Schools in the Free Education Scheme (www.gov.ie)
Voluntary Secondary schools support services grant 0082/2020 - gov.ie - Revision of Schools Support Staff Funding Grant Rates for Voluntary Secondary Schools in the Free Education Scheme (www.gov.ie)
The tables below include the expenditure for capitation related grants for Primary and Voluntary Secondary Schools for the period of 2019 to date. The information is not readily available by county at this time.
|
Primary Schools |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 to date |
|
Capitation |
111,511,105 |
116,645,545 |
118,105,614 |
118,150,657 |
|
Ancillary |
96,318,212 |
97,657,785 |
98,537,143 |
98,568,059 |
|
Voluntary Secondary Schools |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 to date |
|
Capitation |
45,831,717 |
48,748,122 |
51,119,128 |
35,039,502 |
|
Combined Secretaries Grants |
4,808,899 |
4,936,266 |
5,029,191 |
3,517,874 |
128. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if the double autumn social welfare payment will be paid to recipients of jobseeker's benefit, jobseeker's allowance or supplementary welfare allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52085/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend approximately €1.2 billion in social welfare measures during the coming months to help individuals and families through this difficult period.
One of these measures is the Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment which will be paid to those schemes which are eligible to receive the Christmas Bonus, with one amendment - 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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
129. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is currently eligible for any form of State pension; the reason she was refused access to the State pension in her previous application. [52134/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for state pension (transition), a social insurance-based pension (discontinued in 2014) on 5 February 2013. They were as assessed as having 375 paid insurance contributions, falling short of the minimum requirement of 520. The application was disallowed on 19 February 2013 and the person was notified of the decision.
State pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record. For the purposes of the means test, cash income, including any additional pension(s), the value of any property (excluding a person’s own home), and the value of any savings and investments which a person or their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant hold or co-hold, are assessable.
An application for state pension non-contributory was received from the person concerned on 4 February 2014. Following their assessment, the Deciding Officer determined that the weekly means of the person concerned exceeded the then permissible statutory weekly limit, of €245.00. The person was notified of this decision on 11 March 2014, together with the reason(s) for the decision and their right, if dissatisfied, to a review of, or to appeal the decision.
The current state pension (non-contributory) weekly means limit is €267.50, increasing to €280 from January 2023. If the person's circumstances have changed, it is open to them to re-apply for state pension non-contributory (by submitting an application (SPNC1) to: the Department of Social Protection, College Road, Sligo). Following an assessment of their eligibility, the person will be notified of the outcome in writing.
Separately, it is open to the spouse of the person concerned to claim an increase for qualified adult in respect of the person concerned, which is a means tested payment. It is also open to the spouse of the person concerned to apply for state pension (non-contribution) in their own right. The higher of the two entitlements is payable to the person concerned, and to their spouse.
Application forms for both state pension (non-contributory) and qualified adult increase have been sent to the person concerned, if they and/or their spouse wish to apply.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
130. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52145/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from 15 September 2022. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 27 October 2022. Any arrears due from 15 September 2022 to 26 October 2022 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue in due course. The person in question was notified of this decision on 17 October 2022.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
131. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52147/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
An application for IP was received from the person concerned on 26 August 2022. In order to establish medical suitability two forms were sent to her on 26 September 2022. On receipt of the completed forms, the IP claim will be processed as quickly as possible and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
132. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has spoken with her United States counterpart to date in 2022. [52155/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraStrengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland as set out in our Programme for Government, as well in our Strategy for the US and Canada (2019-2025).
While I have not been in contact with my US counterpart directly I look forward to engaging with the US Administration on issues as they arise and in particular on our bilateral social security agreement.
Officials from my Department are in contact with their counterparts in the United States Social Security Administration and visits between them have occurred from time to time in respect of the bilateral social security agreement in place and other matters of mutual interest.
I hope this clarifies the mater for the Deputy.
