Written Answers Nos. 387-412
387. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide clarification on a matter in relation to a pension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59412/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my understanding that the question relates to the automatic enrolment retirement savings system and therefore will answer on that basis.
Automatic Enrolment (AE) is a State sponsored, quality assured, retirement savings system. It is separate to the State Pension which will remain the bedrock of the Irish pension system. It will be of particular benefit to the estimated 65% of people working in the private sector who are not currently paying into a supplementary pension scheme.
Employees who meet certain age and earnings criteria and who do not already have an approved pension plan will be automatically enrolled. They will have the choice to opt-out or suspend their contributions after six-months mandatory participation. Anyone who opts out or suspends their participation in this way will be re-enrolled after two years. In such circumstances, they may opt-out or suspend again after a further six-months mandatory participation.
Employees will make contributions from their salary, which their employer will be required to match. Contributions will be set at 1.5% of gross salary initially for the first three years, then rising by 1.5 percentage points to 3% for the next three years, then rising by a further 1.5% to 4.5% for the three years after that, and finally rising by a final 1.5% to reach the full contribution rate of 6% in year 10 following the introduction of the scheme. The State will make a further top-up contribution at a rate of €1 for every €3 contributed by the employee.
Employee contributions will be deducted from the employees’ earnings at source and remitted to a new Central Processing Authority, which will be a state body, for investment, along with the employer and State contributions.
The employee, who has been paying into this State-incentivised investment system, will have access to their money at the State pension age.
It is envisaged that the enrolment of the first AE participants will commence in early 2024. Working towards that date, the focus is now solely on implementing the system, including by drafting the necessary legislation that will underpin it, designing the organisational structures and the technical system to operate it, and communicating this landmark reform to stakeholders and the public.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
388. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection if the gratuity payment to community employment supervisors who have applied has been awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59551/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra423. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection when ex gratia payments to community employment supervisors are expected to be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59118/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 423 together.
The Deputy will be aware that a final settlement was reached with unions at the end of 2021 to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme for CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors who are employed by CE scheme sponsoring organisations. The settlement resolves this long-standing issue through the payment of a once off ex-gratia payment to eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors. Some 2,500 people employed by CE schemes going back to 2008 will benefit at an estimated total cost of over €24 million.
Generally, under the terms of this settlement, on reaching retirement age, eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors will receive a once off ex-gratia payment in respect of time employed by CE schemes since 2008. People who retired since 2008 and who have reached retirement age are now able to apply for this payment.
Over the past number of months, an administrative and ICT system to accept applications and process payments was put in place within the Department of Social Protection. The first group of ex-gratia applications have been received - these relate to persons who retired since 2008. In total, 624 completed applications have been received to date, with 480 of these processed and ready for payment. The balance are being worked on at present with a view to having them ready for payment as soon as possible.
Following Government approval earlier this month, legislative provisions to provide for these payments have been included in the Social Welfare Budget Bill, which will also, once enacted, facilitate the payment of processed applications. It is my intention that these payments will issue before the Christmas break, subject to the safe passage of the required legislation. The recipients will receive notification when their payments are issuing.
Processing and payment of claims for people who retire during 2023 will continue as they retire and submit their claims.
389. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of exceptional needs' payment application in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) is to assist people with essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
ENPs 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.
Applications for ENPs are made under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service in my Department.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for assistance with the purchase of household items and flooring for her new accommodation. Having assessed the circumstances of the case, the Designated Person has awarded the person the sum of €4,686 which will be available in the person’s nominated bank account on Tuesday, 29/11/2022.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
390. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a PPSN application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58701/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department allocated a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to the individual referred to by the Deputy on 5th June 2012.
A letter confirming the details of his PPSN issued to him on 22nd November 2022.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
391. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if fuel allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied). [58747/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuel 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, this person concerned lives with someone in receipt of a State Contributory Pension (SPC).
A letter issued to the person concerned on 22 November 2022 informing them the Contributory Pensioner must apply for the fuel allowance.
An application for Fuel allowance was enclosed for the SPC recipient to apply for the Fuel allowance and submit the completed application to the National Fuel Scheme Section in Sligo who process the SPC payment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
392. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58761/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned reached pension age on 02 July 2022. An application for State Pension non-contributory was received in my Department on 09/08/2022.
The State Pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment. As such, all recipients of the State Pension non-contributory are subject to a means test. Social welfare legislation provides that all income and capital belonging to an applicant (and his or her spouse/partner, where applicable) is assessable for means testing purposes for social assistance schemes, such as the State Pension non-contributory. This includes all income and property (other than the family home) belonging to the claimant.
To calculate the rate payable, the means of the claimant is deducted from the maximum rate of State Pension non-contributory. As the means of the claimant exceeded the maximum rate of State Pension non-contributory, they were not entitled to this pension.
An application for State pension (contributory) was received on 11 October 2022. Under social welfare legislation, a self-employed contributor is regarded as satisfying the contribution conditions for State pension (contributory) where the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year prior to reaching pension age, and all self-employment contributions payable are considered to have been paid.
Where outstanding self-employment contributions are paid subsequent to an applicant’s reaching pension age, State pension (contributory) may only be awarded from the date on which self-employment liability is deemed as discharged.
As the person concerned has outstanding liabilities for 2019, they do not meet the qualifying criteria for State pension (contributory). It is open to them to contact this Department directly when their outstanding liability is discharged, and their entitlement to State pension (contributory) will be reviewed.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
393. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58762/22]
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.
Fuel Allowance in this case was awarded from 14 October 2022. The person concerned was notified in writing on the 17 November 2022.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
394. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application by a person (details supplied) [58764/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
I confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance (DA) from the person concerned on 03 August 2022.
Based on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, her application for DA was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 18 October 2022.
Further medical evidence was received on 09 November 2022 and a review of this decision was carried out. The original decision was upheld and the person concerned was notified in writing on 23 November 2022. She was also advised of his right to appeal this decision to the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO). No request for an appeal has been received to date.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
395. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for additional needs payments and exceptional needs payments by county in 2021 in total; and the number of applications awarded in tabular form. [58766/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra396. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for additional needs payments and exceptional needs payments by county to date in 2022; and the number of applications awarded in tabular form. [58767/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments (ANPs) to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term, introduced into our statistical reporting in 2022, 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 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.
These figures in the enclosed table show the consolidated statistics for ANPs for 2021 and up to end September 2022. As they represent a snapshot of claim activity, they are subject to change.
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.
|
County name |
Registered 2021 |
Awarded 2021 |
Registered end September 2022 |
Awarded end September 2022 |
|
Clare |
1,687 |
1,303 |
3,663 |
2,534 |
|
Cork |
6,237 |
4,632 |
7,988 |
5,474 |
|
Cavan |
845 |
640 |
1,614 |
1,025 |
|
Carlow |
1,031 |
648 |
1,532 |
750 |
|
Donegal |
2,138 |
1,810 |
4,932 |
3,550 |
|
Dublin |
26,363 |
19,505 |
29,264 |
19,455 |
|
Galway |
2,957 |
1,793 |
4,484 |
2,555 |
|
Kildare |
3,616 |
2,671 |
3,213 |
1,704 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,605 |
1,073 |
2,131 |
1,371 |
|
Kerry |
2,328 |
1,603 |
4,762 |
2,713 |
|
Longford |
1,311 |
1,103 |
2,048 |
1,532 |
|
Louth |
2,245 |
1,646 |
2,807 |
1,704 |
|
Limerick |
2,849 |
2,344 |
3,674 |
2,359 |
|
Leitrim |
835 |
708 |
1,405 |
1,068 |
|
Laois |
1,686 |
1,296 |
2,028 |
1,201 |
|
Meath |
2,903 |
2,507 |
3,906 |
2,988 |
|
Monaghan |
790 |
658 |
685 |
459 |
|
Mayo |
1,748 |
1,213 |
2,677 |
1,460 |
|
Offaly |
1,068 |
882 |
2,134 |
1,580 |
|
Roscommon |
931 |
770 |
1,389 |
750 |
|
Sligo |
1,402 |
1,105 |
1,928 |
1,244 |
|
Tipperary |
3,316 |
2,587 |
3,521 |
2,225 |
|
Waterford |
2,282 |
1,404 |
2,905 |
1,738 |
|
Westmeath |
1,997 |
1,689 |
3,155 |
2,215 |
|
Wicklow |
2,784 |
2,101 |
3,118 |
2,039 |
|
Wexford |
1,337 |
827 |
2,652 |
1,508 |
|
Unknown |
123 |
78 |
59 |
20 |
|
Total |
78,414 |
58,598 |
103,674 |
67,221 |
397. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown the waiting times in weeks for all additional needs payment and exceptional needs payment applications for the year 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form, broken down per numbers of week per application. [58768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department can make Additional Needs Payment (ANPs) 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 a person’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
The scheme is 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.
As of October 2022, over 75,000 applications for ANPs were processed and awarded; this represents a 63% increase in awarded applications compared to the same period in 2021. My Department has already paid an estimated €46 million in ANPs so far this year. Some of this increase can be attributed to the response to support families arriving from Ukraine.
The claims currently being received for ANPs are varied and often quite complex, reflecting the individual circumstances being experienced.
Where an application is complete and accompanied by the required documentation, it is generally processed very quickly. Where any application cannot be finalised quickly, the delay is normally due to additional information or documentation being requested from the person to support their application and the length of time that it takes for the information to be provided. This can result in longer processing times for these less urgent applications as greater flexibility is given to customers with extended time to respond. Upon receipt of this information, the application will then be processed quickly.
Where it is clear that a person has an immediate need, every effort is made to ensure they receive a payment on the same day.
In light of the increased level of applications, as part of the budget estimates I secured agreement for approximately 74 additional staff to be assigned to the Community Welfare Service. Recruitment has commenced for these additional staff, and it is anticipated that the staff will be in place by Q1 2023.
In the interim, until the staff have been recruited, 30 Social Welfare Inspectors have been temporarily reassigned to the Community Welfare Service since the start of November to assist with claims processing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
398. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to extending the free travel scheme to persons with epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58773/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra435. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if the proposal by an organisation (details supplied) for a free travel scheme for persons with epilepsy; and if further consideration has been given to the roll-out of the scheme. [59323/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 435 together.
The free travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. There are approximately 1,050,000 customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2022 is €95 million.
It is important to note that, in general, access to a free travel pass for those aged under 66 is linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit. Crucially, as many illnesses or physical conditions have an impact across a spectrum from mild to severe, entitlement to these social welfare schemes is not provided on the basis of a diagnosis but on the basis of the impact of that diagnosis on the individual concerned. In this way, resources can be targeted to people in most need.
Therefore, while a diagnosis of a particular medical condition will be required to establish if a person may be eligible for certain social welfare schemes, evidence of impact is also required before entitlement to the scheme or the related free travel scheme is established. The sole exception to this general approach is in respect of people who are blind.
While consideration is always given to any requests to improve or extend eligibility to the free travel scheme, uncoupling the link between receipt of particular social welfare payments and eligibility for the free travel scheme would so fundamentally alter the scheme that it would move it away from being a social welfare measure to being a general transport initiative.
Any such change would also require potentially very significant additional funding for the free travel scheme and would have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
I am aware of an ongoing campaign by Epilepsy Ireland and recognise the issues and difficulties that can arise due to a person being diagnosed with epilepsy and who is unable to drive as a result of their condition. I have met with representatives of Epilepsy Ireland to discuss its proposal in detail.
Following the meeting, I asked my Department officials to examine the issues raised by Epilepsy Ireland. Department officials are currently examining the issues raised by Epilepsy Ireland, along with relevant submissions. This work is still ongoing. I am expecting a report from my officials in the next few weeks.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
399. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the various supports for persons with disabilities in Budget 2023; the way that this aligns with ongoing work on the Cost of Disability report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58863/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Indecon Cost of Disability report identified that additional costs of disability run across a number of areas of expenditure, including housing, equipment, aids and appliances, care and assistance services, mobility, transport, communications, medicines, and additional living expenses.
The findings of the research have implications for many areas of public policy. Based on this, one of Indecons conclusions is that a multifaceted, a whole of government approach is required to address the cost of disability. It is for this reason the Government decided that the report, and actions on foot of the report should be considered and monitored by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group. This group is chaired by my colleague the Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, and is comprised of relevant departments, agencies, and the Disability Stakeholder Group. The stakeholder group is comprised of persons who have expertise and lived experience of disability, who are appointed by the Minister of State for Disability and who serve three-year periods as members of the group.
A number of the measures I introduced, as part of Budget 2023, in support of people with disabilities reflect the findings of the report, these included:
Paid in October
- Cost-of-Living Double Payment, paid to Social Protection recipients including all Pensioners, Carers and people on Disability Payments.
Paid in November
- €500 Cost of Living Disability Support Grant, paid to all people receiving a long-term Disability payment.
- €500 Cost of Living Payment for people receiving the Carer’s Support Grant.
- €400 Lump Sum Fuel Allowance Payment, to all households receiving the Fuel Allowance.
- €200 Lump Sum Payment, for pensioners and people with a disability receiving the Living Alone Allowance.
- Double Payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children.
to be paid in December
- Christmas Bonus Double Payment will be paid to 1.3 million Social Protection recipients including: Pensioners, Carers and People with Disabilities in December.
In addition, from January 2023, the following measures will also be implemented:
- a €12 increase in weekly payments with proportionate increases for qualified adults and for people who receive a reduced rate, to include for example, the Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, and Invalidity Pension.
- The Means assessment threshold for Fuel Allowance will increase from €120 to €200.
- Disablement Benefit will be disregarded in the means assessment for the Fuel Allowance.
- Domiciliary Care Allowance will increase by €20.50 to €330 per month.
- Domiciliary Care Allowance will be available in respect of children with severe illness or disability who remain in hospital for up to six months after birth.
- Half-rate Carer’s Allowance will be disregarded in the means assessment for Fuel Allowance.
The Indecon report particularly identified the importance of supporting the employment of disabled people. To assist with this, Budget 2023 included other important measures:
- The earnings disregard for both the Disability Allowance and Blind Pension will be increased by €25 per week, from €140 to €165 from January.
- €1m funding for enhancements to the Reasonable Accommodation Fund grants has been put in place. These grants support the employment of disabled people in the private sector. Following a public consultation, conducted earlier this year, the Department will bring forward reform proposals for this fund before the end of the year.
- Changes to the JobsPlus incentive scheme, to encourage private sector employers to employ disabled people. Employers who employ people in receipt of the Disability Allowance or Blind Pension can now benefit from the two grants under this scheme, one of which is €7,500 and the other is €10,000.
400. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that the fuel allowance was discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied); and if the income threshold for couples will be increased. [58864/22]
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. One of the conditions for receipt of fuel allowance is that a person must satisfy a means test.
The fuel allowance means test is linked to the maximum rate of State pension (contributory). An individual can have a weekly income of €120.00 above the maximum rate for State pension (contributory) plus any increases for age, living alone and dependants and still be eligible for the fuel allowance. In this case the threshold, based on their household, is €600.30.
Following a means assessment, it was determined that the household means were €768.05 which exceeded the permissible weekly means for the household. The application was disallowed, and the person concerned was notified in writing on 26 September 2022.
As the Deputy is aware, I announced an increase of €80.00 in the fuel means threshold for those aged under 70 from €120.00 to €200.00 from January 2023. As the household means of €768.05 will exceed the increased threshold, the person concerned will not qualify for fuel allowance from January 2023.
It is open to the person concerned to submit a new application if there are any changes in their circumstances.
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.
401. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that foster parents and carers are not entitled to the State pension if she is giving consideration to addressing this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58871/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters related to foster caring are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Tusla.
More widely, this Government acknowledges the important role that carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system provides for 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 payment rate. Foster carers are entitled to the benefits of the Homemaker’s Scheme or HomeCaring Periods, on the same basis as other carers, and will qualify if the carer is in receipt of Child Benefit. If the foster carer is not in receipt of Child Benefit, he/she can still qualify for HomeMaker's Disregards and HomeCaring Periods provided the caring periods are confirmed by Tusla.
Despite the existing measures within the State Pension system that recognise periods spent caring, long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension.
I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system on 20th September 2022. The measures, which were approved by Government, are in response to the Pensions Commission's recommendations. The set of measures represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system. One of the reforms agreed by Government is enhanced State Pension provision for long-term carers of incapacitated dependents (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.
402. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if the maximum pension benefits including the increase for a qualified adult are now being paid in full to persons (details supplied). [58875/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned is in receipt of State Pension (contributory) and an Increase for Qualified Adult allowance since 28 September 2006.
The State Pension (contributory) awarded was based on a yearly average of 47 contributions. It is paid at the weekly rate of €248.30 plus an additional €10.00 over 80 allowance and the maximum Increase for Qualified Adult allowance of €227.00 per week.
The person concerned received the Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment in October and the €400 Lump Sum Fuel Allowance Payment in November.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
403. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if the living alone allowance is being paid to a person (details supplied). [58876/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe increase for Living Alone ceased on 25/05/2022 as the person concerned is no longer residing alone. They were notified in writing of this decision and informed 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.
404. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of working family payment applications that are in queue to be processed by her Department; if efforts are being made to clear the backlog for families that have applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58881/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children which supports people in low paid employment. The WFP is designed to prevent in-work poverty for low paid workers with child dependents, and to offer a financial incentive to take up employment. Once awarded WFP is payable for 52 weeks. At the end of the 52-week period a customer must reapply (renew) to determine ongoing eligibility.
The number of applications for the Working Family Payment have increased significantly and all available resources have been directed to processing these applications.
There are currently 3885 new claims on hand with an average processing time of 4 weeks. WFP renewal claims continue to be processed prior to the expiry of the current claim where all the relevant information has been provided by the customer.
The easiest and fastest ways for customers to make an application for Working Family Payment is online via mywelfare.ie
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
405. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports that are being made available to community welfare officers in counties Cavan and Monaghan, given the increase in the additional needs' payment applications; the current turnaround times for applications to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58882/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe delivery of crucial community welfare services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens across the country is a priority for me and for my Department.Staffing levels have been maintained in the Community Welfare Service (CWS) nationwide in recent years, even during times when demands on the service decreased significantly. This reflects my commitment to continue to support the delivery of locally based services to citizens. There are currently over 412 staff working in the CWS throughout the country, including 318 Community Welfare Officers (CWOs).
These staff have processed and awarded over 75,000 applications for Additional Need Payments (ANPs) to the end of October this year. This represents a 63% increase in awarded applications compared to the same period in 2021. My Department has already paid an estimated €46 million in ANPs so far this year. Some of this increase can be attributed to the response to support families arriving from Ukraine.The claims currently being received for ANPs are varied and often quite complex. This reflects the individual circumstances being experienced by each customer. However, where it is clear that a person has an immediate need, every effort is made to ensure they receive a payment on the same day.Where an application is complete and accompanied by the required documentation, it is generally processed quickly. Where any application cannot be finalised quickly, the delay is normally due to additional information or documentation being requested from the person to support their application and the length of time that it takes for the information to be provided. This can result in longer processing times for these less urgent applications as greater flexibility is given to customers with extended time to respond. Upon receipt of this information, the application is processed quickly.I have taken a number of steps to support CWOs and increase service capacity, including:
- In light of the increased level of applications, I recently secured agreement for some 74 additional staff to be assigned to the CWS. Recruitment has commenced and it is anticipated that they will be in place by Q1 2023.
- In the interim until the staff have been recruited, 30 Social Welfare Inspectors have been temporarily reassigned to the CWS since the start of November to assist with claims processing.
- The introduction of a national CWS freephone line means that clients don't have to attend an office in person to make a claim or an enquiry.
- The rostering of staff ensures there is a full-time CWO presence in over 50 offices nationwide.
- The establishment of a back-office support team, to take-on the more routine administrative tasks associated with claim processing, frees up front-line CWOs to deal directly with client and their claims.
- The establishment of a national response team, which is the primary resource in responding to pressure points and surges in demand for community welfare services.
- In addition, the Department is well advanced in the development of an online claim option.
These changes mean that the CWS is in stronger position than it would otherwise have been to respond to the increase in service demand.I trust this clarifies the matter.
406. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount of overpayments of contributory and non-contributory old age pension paid to persons following their death in each of the years from 2010 to 2021 and to date in 2022; the total amount that has been written off in each of those years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58901/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOverpayments of social welfare assistance and benefit payments arise as a consequence of decisions made under the relevant sections of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 (as amended). Customers who have been overpaid social welfare have a liability to refund the overpayment as they have been in receipt of a payment to which they were not entitled. Some payments can issue where a customer is deceased and there has been a delay in notifying the Department.
Where an overpayment is raised, the Department is required to make every effort to recover the amount overpaid.
In 2021, there were over 580,000 individuals in receipt of State Pension Contributory or Non-Contributory. Data in respect of the number of overpayments where pension was paid to persons following their death since 2018 to date is set out in the table below. Due to technical limitations on the debt reporting environment, the Department is unable to provide similar data for earlier years. Cases written off in a particular year may have arisen in an earlier year.
Table: Paid after Death Overpayments 2018 to End October 2022
|
State Pension Contributory |
State Pension Non-Contributory |
|||||||
|
Year |
Number of Cases Raised |
Value |
Number of Cases Written Off |
Value Written Off |
Number of Cases Raised |
Value |
Number of Cases Written Off |
Value Written Off |
|
2018 |
4,770 |
€4,614,550 |
371 |
€31,934 |
1,848 |
€1,155,428 |
89 |
€18,027 |
|
2019 |
4,936 |
€4,802,840 |
486 |
€52,956 |
1,886 |
€1,346,279 |
157 |
€51,057 |
|
2020 |
5,173 |
€4,289,785 |
605 |
€102,175 |
2,449 |
€1,644,637 |
973 |
€230,588 |
|
2021 |
6,068 |
€5,628,447 |
670 |
€148,501 |
1,992 |
€1,780,663 |
267 |
€109,812 |
|
2022 (To End Oct) |
5,388 |
€5,981,331 |
766 |
€240,996 |
1,728 |
€1,932,373 |
294 |
€122,967 |
I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
407. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied); when the claim was received by her Department and when a decision issue on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58913/22]
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. Only one fuel allowance is payable to a household.
As the Fuel Allowance is already in payment to another person in the household, the person concerned is not entitled to the allowance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
408. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection further to parliamentary question Nos. 614 of 5 July, 617 of 12 July, 1212 and 1259 of 26 July 2022, if she will provide an update on the status of the Navan Road social welfare office. [58925/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the building on the Navan Road was closed for significant maintenance and upgrade work in April 2022, the Office of Public Works (OPW), which owns the building, advised that an urgent situation had arisen where there is a requirement to source emergency accommodation for critical units of An Garda Síochána (AGS) in North Dublin at short notice. This requirement necessitated the sourcing of a building that was immediately available and could meet the operational requirements of AGS. Given the urgency of the situation, the property on the Navan Road was identified by OPW as the only one that would meet the State’s immediate requirement in the short/medium term and it was assigned to AGS with effect from 18 November.Since the closure in April 2022 the staff have been reassigned to Parnell Street Intreo Centre and people living in the Dublin 7 area who need to attend an Intreo Centre have been visiting the Parnell Street Intreo Centre. There is also a freephone telephone number and the dedicated email addresses for Navan Road services relating to jobseeker’s payments, one-parent family payments, Public Services Cards, community welfare services and activation remain active. The quickest and easiest way for a person to apply for income supports is online at mywelfare.ie.
409. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that persons on disability benefit were excluded from receiving the once-off payment of €500 cost-of-living measure announced in budget 2023; if she will consider including them in this payment; the other benefits that recipients were excluded from; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58946/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisablement Benefit is part of the Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme. This scheme caters for people injured or incapacitated by an accident at work or while travelling to or from work. The scheme also covers people who have contracted a disease as a result of the type of work they do.
Payments under the Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme, including Disablement Benefit, did not qualify for the once-off Disability Support Grant. The grant was designed to recognise the additional cost pressures on people with disabilities and carers during the current energy crisis. Many people in receipt of Disablement Benefit already receive a supplement on an ongoing basis in the form of an Incapacity Supplement.
Budget 2023 provided for several benefits for Disablement Benefit recipients. They received the once-off autumn cost of living double payment. Disablement Benefit will be disregarded from the means test for Fuel Allowance from January 2023 to reduce the impact of the energy crisis on recipients of this payment. They will also benefit from the increase in the weekly maximum personal rate of payment by €12 from January 2023.
People in receipt of this payment will also benefit from the Christmas Bonus .
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
410. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated total amount in euro that was allegedly taken in fraudulent or suspected fraudulent pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, claims and payments. [58955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra411. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has conducted any investigations into alleged fraud in relation to the PUP; and if so, if she will share the details of such fraud. [58956/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra412. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the total amount of fraudulent PUP made to persons which have been recouped by the State; her views on a report (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58957/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 410, 411 and 412 together.
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was introduced in an extremely short period of time in order to cushion the incomes of citizens who had lost their employment following the onset of an unprecedented public health crisis. Within 3 weeks of the payment being launched over 500,000 people had been paid. The delivery of the scheme on such a scale and in such a short time represented a major achievement by my Department.
Almost 880,000 people received payment under the scheme at a cost of €9.2 billion and a total of 29.7 million payments have issued.
My Department always has to strike a balance between applying tight controls and checks on claims on the one hand and not frustrating a person’s entitlement to a payment on the other. Throughout the Covid crisis, my Department prioritised prompt claim processing and payment in order to ensure that people affected by the pandemic had the security of an income support payment. This was necessary and appropriate in light of the circumstances prevailing. In addition, while prioritising prompt payment in the circumstances of the pandemic, payment and claim processing controls were applied to reduce the risk of incorrect or fraudulent payments. Inevitably, some people will have sought to take advantage of the scheme, but most people, as would be expected, acted honourably and honestly.
A wide range of control work was undertaken during the period of the pandemic, with over 112,000 control reviews completed, including matching against Revenue records, and this work will continue into the future.
My Department follows up on all cases where it is identified that a person has been overpaid PUP and will do so in a measured way. The Department takes a reasonable approach to recovery of sums overpaid where these overpayments are believed to be due to genuine error or oversight by the claimant.
In circumstances where fraud is suspected the Department will seek to prosecute the people involved; a number of prosecutions have been initiated and convictions secured. More cases are being considered for prosecution. Cases can be prosecuted under social welfare or criminal legislation, depending on the circumstances of the case. Criminal prosecutions are brought by An Garda Síochána.
To date just over 19,000 PUP overpayments have been assessed by my Department to a value of €47.8m, with €13.3m recovered. Typically, overpayments have arisen where a person has failed to declare ongoing employment or where the person was not working prior to the pandemic. Of these, just over 1,000 PUP overpayments were considered to have arisen because of suspected fraud and overpayments have been raised to a value of €4.4m with recoveries of €375,000. The Deputy will appreciate that a very high threshold of proof must be met to warrant a finding of fraud.
During the course of the pandemic, a small number of claims for the PUP were identified as being submitted by third parties who were fraudulently in possession of elements of another individual’s Public Sector Identity dataset, through identity phishing or other means of data theft. These third parties directed payment into bank accounts under their control.
From investigations into these cases, it was found that personal data had been obtained and used inappropriately by a person who knew the individual’s personal information; or a person who misled the individual into revealing enough of the data to enable them to make an application; or the theft of individual or groups of individuals details. Cases were investigated by Gardaí seconded to the Department’s Special Investigations Unit in co-operation with the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and a number of prosecutions have arisen.
I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
