Written Answers Nos. 459-482
459. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that a person (details supplied) has been refused fuel allowance given that they only live with their spouse who is a person in receipt of carer's allowance as per the qualifying criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59479/22]
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 the fuel allowance is that a person must be in receipt of a qualifying payment and live alone or only with a dependent spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant and/or dependent children or other persons who are getting a qualifying payment and who would be eligible for a Fuel Allowance in their own right.
If the applicant is residing with a person in receipt of the full rate Carer’s allowance, the carer must be providing full time care and attention to the Fuel allowance applicant or their qualified spouse / civil partner / cohabitant or qualified child(ren). In this case, their spouse is in receipt of the Carer’s allowance for a person not resident in the household. As the person concerned is not residing with persons who are in receipt of a qualifying payment, the application for Fuel allowance was disallowed on 09 November 2022.
It is open to the spouse of the person concerned to apply for an Increase for a qualified adult on their spouse's State Pension (contributory). They can receive this payment and a half-rate Carer's Allowance. Depending on their means, the payment of an increase for a Qualified Adult and a half rate Carers allowance may be financially more beneficial to them. Payment of half-rate carer’s allowance does not preclude a person from qualifying for fuel allowance, however they will undergo a means test for fuel allowance. I have arranged for an application to issue for the Increase for a qualified adult.
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.
461. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to making the recent lump sum disability support payment an annual payment; considering commitments to addressing the additional cost of disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59509/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2023, the Social Protection budget has been designed to assist people with cost-of-living increases through a mix of once off lump sum payments, increases to weekly payment rates and, for example, an expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme.
The measures introduced included the provision of a one-off €500 Cost-of-Living payment, which was paid in mid-November to recipients of the Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension and the Carer's Support Grant.
A number of the measures introduced as part of the Budget also reflected the conclusions of the Indecon cost of disability report.
The measures introduced to support people with disabilities in Budget 2023 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 addition, from January 2023, the following measures will be implemented:
- €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 avail of two grants under this scheme, the value of the grants are €7,500 and €10,000.
Any consideration of annual payments provided by my department, including further Cost of Living payments, would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
462. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the most recent figure for the number of carers in receipt of the carer's allowance excluding those on a half-rate carer's allowance; the number of carers who receive a reduced rate of carer's allowance due to means, categorised by recipients aged under 66 years caring for one person aged under 66 years caring for two or more persons, aged over 66 years caring for one person and aged over 66 years caring for two or more people; the breakdown of these rates by the number of person's receiving a reduced rate carer's allowance payment under €100, between €100 and €150, €151 and €200, €201 and €251, €252 and €302, €303 and €353, €354 and €392, in tabular form. [59510/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra463. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the most recent figure on the number of carers receiving a half-rate carer's allowance; the number of carers who receive a reduced rate of the half-rate carer's allowance due to means, categorised by recipients aged under 66 years caring for one person, aged under 66 years caring for two or more people, aged over 66 years caring for one person and aged over 66 years caring for two or more people; the breakdown of these rates by the number of person's receiving a carer's allowance payment under €100, between €100 and €120, €121 and €141, €142 and €162, €163 and €183, €184 and €196, in tabular form. [59511/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 463 together.
Carer’s Allowance is a payment to people on low incomes who are caring full-time for a person who needs support because of age, disability or illness (including mental illness). The person being cared for must require full-time care and attention.
At the end of October 2022, there were 91,892 recipients of Carer's Allowance. Of these, 42,136 were recipients of half-rate Carer's Allowance.
Rates of payment, based on their most recent payment, for full rate Carer's Allowance, split by age and number of carees, is shown in the tables below. Due to the fact that the data may be statistically disclosive and lead to individuals being potentially identified, my Department is unable to provide some of the breakdowns requested by the Deputy.
The figures below are the rate received by the recipient.
Table 1: Full rate Carer's Allowance rates of payment, for recipients aged under 66 with one caree
|
Rate of Payment (€) |
Count |
|
Less than 100 |
1,166 |
|
100 to <150 |
958 |
|
150 to <201 |
1,279 |
|
201 or more |
36,694 |
|
Total |
40,097 |
Table 2: Full rate Carer's Allowance rates of payment, for recipients aged 66 or over with one caree
|
Rate of Payment (€) |
Count |
|
Less than 100 |
24 |
|
100 to <150 |
12 |
|
150 to <201 |
18 |
|
201 or more |
1,657 |
|
Total |
1,711 |
Table 3: Full rate Carer's Allowance rates of payment, for recipients aged under 66 with two or more carees
|
Rate of Payment (€) |
Count |
|
Less than 100 |
67 |
|
100 to <150 |
74 |
|
150 to <201 |
156 |
|
201 to <252 |
177 |
|
252 to <302 |
216 |
|
Greater than 302 |
7,099 |
|
Total |
7,789 |
Table 4: Full rate Carer's Allowance rates of payment, for recipients aged 66 or over with two or more carees
|
Rate of Payment (€) |
Count |
|
Less than 302 |
6 |
|
302 or more |
153 |
|
Total |
159 |
Table 5: Half rate Carer's Allowance rates of payment, for recipients aged under 66 with one caree
|
Rate of Payment (€) |
Count |
|
Less than 100 |
304 |
|
100 or more |
23,683 |
|
Total |
23,987 |
Table 6: Half rate Carer's Allowance rates of payment, for recipients aged 66 or over with one caree
|
Rate of Payment (€) |
Count |
|
Less than 100 |
82 |
|
100 to <120 |
85 |
|
120 or more |
15,377 |
|
Total |
15,544 |
Table 7: Half rate Carer's Allowance rates of payment, for recipients aged under 66 with two or more carees
|
Rate of Payment (€) |
Count |
|
Less than 100 |
23 |
|
100 to <120 |
21 |
|
120 to <141 |
20 |
|
141 to <162 |
16 |
|
162 or more |
2,149 |
|
Total |
2,229 |
Table 8: Half rate Carer's Allowance rates of payment, for recipients aged 66 or over with two or more carees
|
Rate of Payment (€) |
Count |
|
All rates |
376 |
|
Total |
376 |
464. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which oral hearings in respect of appeals against disallowance for various payments are up-to-date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59538/22]
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.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there are currently 7,479 appeals at various stages of the appeals process. Under Article 13 of the Social Welfare (Appeals) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. 108/1998), if an Appeals Officer is of the opinion that the case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined without a hearing, the appeal may be determined summarily. Once it is decided to hold an oral hearing it can usually be scheduled and held in a timely manner.
An oral hearing may be held virtually (online), by phone or, where it is deemed essential by the Appeals Officer, on an in-person basis.
Oral hearing arrangements will continue to be kept under regular review by the Chief Appeals Officer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
465. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of persons currently in receipt of unemployment assistance on a short or long-term basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59539/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseeker’s Allowance, formerly known as Unemployment Assistance, is a means-tested income support for people who are unemployed. In the week ending 20 November, 2022, there were 114,650 Jobseeker’s Allowance recipients. Of these, 41.5 per cent (47,539) are long-term unemployed (one year or more), while 58.5 percent (67,111) are considered short-term recipients. It should be noted that people who are casually employed (or part-time unemployed) are defined as short-term recipients of the scheme.
Looking at jobseeker recipients more widely, as of 20 November 2022, 34.2 percent of those on the Live Register (which includes Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Benefit and Credits) are considered long term claimants.
It should be noted that, unlike in previous years, Jobseeker’s Allowance recipients includes people who arrived under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive from Ukraine. This income support is provided in the first instance, until the most appropriate income support for the individual is determined.
It is welcome that, as reported in the Q3, 2022 Labour Force Survey published by the CSO last week, the Long-Term Unemployment Rate is 1.1%, which is below the pre-pandemic Q3 2019 level of 1.4%.
466. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which she and her Department continue to meet the requirements of persons with insufficient income to meet their ongoing requirements including cost-of-living requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59540/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term, 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. The amount of funding for Additional Needs Payments is not capped.
In the period January to end of September 2022 67,170 additional needs payments were awarded. The main items eligible for assistance include help with fuel, utility bills, repairs to or replacement of household appliances, clothing, child related items such as cots and prams, assistance with funerals or burial costs and travel. Support is also available to assist persons under this scheme towards rent deposits.
I encourage any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment to contact their local community welfare service for assistance. 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.
467. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the degree to which social welfare appeals by applicants can be expedited in order to ensure that hardship does not occur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59541/22]
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.
The time taken to process an appeal reflects a number of factors including that the appeals process is a quasi-judicial process with Appeals Officers being required to decide all appeals on a ‘de-novo’ basis. In addition, appeals decisions are themselves subject to review by the High Court and decisions have to be formally written up to quasi-judicial standards.
The desire to process appeals quickly has to be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent and of high quality and made in accordance with the legislative provisions and the general principles of fair procedures and natural justice.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office seeks to deal with appeals in chronological order but on occasion an appeal will be prioritised if the circumstances require this.
Anyone experiencing financial difficulties while awaiting a decision on an appeal should contact their local Intreo Centre and enquire as to their entitlement to a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. If such a claim for supplementary welfare allowance is disallowed that itself is an appealable decision.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
468. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when the return of funeral and bereavement grant might be envisaged other than by way of the exceptional needs' payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59542/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Bereavement Grant, which was a once-off payment for funeral costs, was discontinued in January 2014. The number of bereavement grant claims in 2013 was 23,716 at a cost of €20.3 million. It is estimated that the cost of reintroducing the grant would be close to €30 million per annum and increasing annually. Any decision to reinstate the grant would have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
It is worth noting that there are a range of supports available for people following bereavement which provide more significant support than the former grant.
These include weekly-paid Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory and Non-Contributory) pensions, which are based on contributions or a means test, and a once-off Widowed or Surviving Civil Partner grant of €8,000 where there is a dependent child. A number of social welfare payments, including State Pension, continue in payment for six weeks following a death, extending to 12 weeks in respect of Carer’s Allowance. Guardian payments are available where someone cares for an orphaned child. A special funeral grant of €850 is paid where a person dies because of an accident at work or occupational disease.
Under the Supplementary Allowance scheme, the Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income, which may include help with funeral and burial expenses. This is a more targeted and efficient manner of assisting people with bereavement expenses in addition to the range of supports already set out.
Taking the above into consideration, there are no plans to reinstate the bereavement grant at this time.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
469. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which self-employed or other contributions in respect of State pension applications to her Department have been refused on the grounds of an insufficiency of contributions in each of the past five years to date; if any consideration has been given to the awarding of pensions in such cases on a pro-rata basis, in line with their actual level of contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59543/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of payments and pensions paid by my Department to people over State Pension Age. One of these is the State Pension (Contributory), qualification for which is based on a number of criteria, including that of a minimum of 520 qualifying contributions, which have been paid into the Social Insurance Fund. For those who have paid the required contributions at a reckonable rate – including Class S (self-employed) - these will be used in the calculation of their entitlements.
As the actuarial value of the State Pension is currently estimated at approximately €380,000, I believe it is reasonable to require people claiming a contributory pension to have made at least 10 years of paid contributions over the term of their working life, before qualifying for a payment.
From the Department's records, which include all applications for State Pension (Contributory) in the given year, the following number of people had less than 520 contributions from 2017 to date.
|
Year |
SPC disallowed less than 520 |
|
2017 |
1229 |
|
2018 |
1330 |
|
2019 |
1297 |
|
2020 |
1319 |
|
2021 |
1539 |
|
2022 |
1092 (to date) |
Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a SPC or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one of the following:
- The means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) (SPNC) which is a means-tested payment (based on their share of household means) with a maximum payment of 95% of the SPC; or
- An increase for a qualified adult (based on their own means), amounting up to 90% of a full rate SPC pension where their spouse has a contributory pension; or
- Where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which they may claim either based on their spouse's or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer contributions paid (260) than the SPC and the current maximum personal rate for those aged 66 or over is €253.30, i.e. the same as the maximum rate of the SPC, with allowances (notably the Living Alone Allowance) payable where applicable.
Where contributors enter insurable employment, either as employees or self-employed, after they have attained the age of 56 and have no entitlement to the SPC or SPNC, then the pension element of the contributions paid by both employed and self-employed contributors may be refunded.
In September, I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system in response to the recommendations from the Pensions Commission. The set of measures represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.
One of the key measures is the introduction of a flexible pension system in Ireland. Under this new system, from January 2024, people will still be able to retire at 66 and draw-down their pension in exactly the same way as they can today. In addition, there will be new flexibility so that people can choose to defer their pension, work longer and receive a higher pension payment.
The flexible State Pension system is about providing people with choice. People will decide for themselves what best suits their needs and circumstances. For example, in the case of a person who reaches age 66 and does not have sufficient contributions to qualify for a full pension, they will now have the option to work for longer to build up additional entitlements. If a person has less than 10 years PRSI reckonable paid contributions, they can use this period to establish entitlement. A person will also have the option to continue working between age 66 and 70 and receive an actuarially based increase in their weekly payment rate.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
470. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of pension applications for the contributory-related State pension received in each of the past three years to date; the number granted, refused and or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraState Pension (Contributory) (SPC) is a payment which a person may qualify for at 66 years of age if they have enough Irish social insurance contributions. It is based on their social insurance (PRSI) contributions. It is not means tested, nor is it affected by other income.
The number of applications registered, awarded, refused and pending each in each of the last three years is shown in the table below.
Table 1: The number of SPC claims registered, awarded, refused and pending, by year.
|
- |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Registered |
41,551 |
40,584 |
41,157 |
|
Awarded |
32,810 |
31,924 |
32,604 |
|
Rejected |
8,084 |
6,717 |
6,733 |
|
Pending |
4,883 |
5,231 |
3,957 |
471. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of situations in respect of which applications for the State Pension (Contributory) were refused during the past five years to date due to insufficiency of contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59545/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder current eligibility conditions, applicants must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory).
Calculation of an applicant’s entitlement to State pension (contributory) is based on their social insurance record from their date of entry into insurable employment until pension age, currently 66 years. Pension entitlement depends on factors such as a person’s social insurance record, their attachment to the workforce, and their countries of employment.
Depending on an applicant’s individual social insurance history, their entitlement is assessed under a number of different tests to determine if they qualify for a pension. Where an applicant satisfies the criteria under more than one of these entitlement tests, the most financially beneficial rate of pension will ultimately be awarded.
Below are the number of State pension (contributory) claims disallowed in each of the past five years and which remain disallowed. These figures do not include applicants who have since died. The 2022 statistics may include cases where entitlement is still being assessed using their foreign employment records.
|
Year |
Customer claims disallowed and not awarded to 31/10/2022 |
|
2018 |
3,117 |
|
2019 |
3,188 |
|
2020 |
3,058 |
|
2021 |
3,746 |
|
2022 |
3,335 |
|
Total |
16,444 |
For those who do not qualify for the State pension (contributory), there are other payments available, depending on an individual’s circumstances. State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested, residency-based payment for persons of pension age. The maximum rate payable equates to 95% of the maximum rate of state pension (contributory).
If a person’s spouse has a State pension (contributory), the person may qualify for an Increase for qualified adult (IQA) payable with their spouse’s pension (means-tested on their own means). The rate of IQA payable may amount to 90% of the maximum State pension (contributory), depending on the rate of State pension (contributory) in payment to the person’s spouse and the person’s own means, solely or jointly held.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
472. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the waiting time for decision in respect of applications for various social welfare payments has been shortened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59546/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra473. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which waiting times for payments in respect of means-tested applications compare with contribution related payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59547/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 472 and 473 together.
My Department understands the many pressures faced by customers and always seeks to ensure that claims are processed quickly and efficiently.
Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing eligibility criteria. Schemes that require a higher level of documentary evidence from the customer, particularly in the case of illness-related schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested schemes, which necessitate the submission of certain financial documentation, can require more detailed investigation and interaction with the customer, thereby lengthening the decision-making process.
I am pleased to report that claims processing is generally up to date, with processing targets met and exceeded for most of the primary schemes. This is for both the means-tested and contributory schemes. My department continues to ensure that customer service is maintained at a high level.
The average processing times across the main schemes is outlined in the table below.
- For the majority of schemes, the claim processing performance measure of ‘weeks-to-award’ has continued to exceed performance targets and has remained consistent or has shortened when compared with end-December 2021 results.
- 8 of the 10 contributory schemes show consistent weeks-to-award results at end-October 2022, when compared with end-December 2021 results.
- 6 of the 8 non-contributory schemes show consistent or shortened weeks-to-award results at end-October 2022, when compared with end-December 2021.
|
Social Welfare Scheme |
Average weeks-to- award a claim at end-December 2021 |
Average weeks-to- award a claim in Oct 2022 |
Performance target weeks-to-award |
|
Contributory Schemes |
|||
|
Carer’s Benefit |
4 |
7 |
12 |
|
Child Benefit |
2 |
2 |
4 |
|
Illness Benefit |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
8 |
8 |
10 |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
6 |
6 |
By due date |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
6 |
6 |
By commencement date |
|
State Pension Contributory |
5 |
6 |
By date of entitlement |
|
Widows & Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension |
1 |
1 |
6 |
|
Non-Contributory Schemes |
|||
|
Carer’s Allowance |
5 |
5 |
11 |
|
Disability Allowance |
5 |
7 |
10 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
12 |
6 |
10 |
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
1 |
1 |
6 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
5 |
3 |
10 |
|
State Pension Non-Contributory |
7 |
6 |
12 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Working Family Payment |
3 |
4 |
6 |
|
Free Travel & Household Benefits |
|||
|
Free Travel |
2 |
6 |
2 |
|
Household Benefits |
1 |
1 |
4 |
In recent years, my Department has introduced a wide range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximized.
In addition, the staffing needs of the Department are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
474. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that a carer's support grant and a respite grant has not been paid in the case of a person (details supplied) who had previously received same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59550/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
Among the measures introduced for CA in Budget 2023 was a €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant (CSG) to be paid in November 2022.
The CSG is an annual payment for carers who look after a person in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to the same caring conditions as CA. The person concerned received the 2022 CSG on 2nd June. If the person concerned wishes to be considered for the €500 Cost of Living Payment introduced as part of Budget 2023, they will need to complete a declaration form that was issued to them on 24th November.
To date there is no record of the declaration form being received.
On receipt of a fully completed declaration form, the entitlement of the person to the cost-of-living payment of €500 will be determined at the earliest possible date.
I hope this clarifies the position for the deputy.
475. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if eligibility for a carer's allowance will be re-examined in the case of a person (details supplied) who had previously received same in view of Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59549/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
Among the measures introduced for Carers in Budget 2023 were:
- €12 increase in the maximum rate of Carer’s Allowance 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.
- €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant to be paid in November 2022.
If the person concerned wishes to have an application for CA considered, they should complete and return the application form (CR1) that I have arranged to issue to them. Only on receipt of a fully completed application form can an entitlement to CA be determined.
The carer’s support grant (CSG) is an annual payment for carers who look after a person in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to the same caring conditions as CA. The person concerned received the 2022 CSG on 2nd June. If the person concerned wishes to be considered for the €500 Cost of Living Payment introduced as part of Budget 2023, they will need to complete a declaration form that I have arranged to issue to them.
On receipt of a fully completed declaration form, the entitlement of the person to the cost-of-living payment of €500 will be determined at the earliest possible date.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
476. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if the social welfare appeals office will confirm receipt of a domiciliary care allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59562/22]
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.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14 November 2022. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
477. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection the names of all companies supplying private security and cleaning services in her Department, including the cost of private cleaning in her Department, the cost of private security in her Department; the number of private cleaners supplied to her Department to provide these duties as part of these contracts, and the number of private security personnel supplied to her Department on foot of these contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59739/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has contracts for cleaning with Grosvenor Cleaning Services and for security with Securway At Risk Security Group (SARS).
The cost for these services for 2020, 2021 and 2022 (to 31 October) is set out below.
|
Supplier |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Grosvenor Cleaning Services Ltd |
€3,323,461.10 |
€4,121,509.82 |
€2,996,192.12 |
|
Securway At Risk Security Group (SARS) Ltd |
€3,384,665.81 |
€3,535,072.40 |
€3,159,795.12 |
The number of personnel currently assigned under these contracts is:
- Security (SARS) – 127 operatives
- Cleaning (Grosvenor) – 278 operatives
The Department remained open throughout the Covid pandemic which required us to have additional cleaning and security in place.
478. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a schedule of the employment status in the civil service of each civilian driver who has been replaced by an official Garda driver in her Ministerial driver corps; if VER payments have issued; and if any cases have been presented to the WRC to date on foot of the changes. [59774/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne former civilian driver remains in the employment of the Department of Social Protection on a temporary contract, coterminous with the Minister. Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) was not issued and no case has presented to the WRC to date on foot of changes.
479. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when assisted decision-making will become law and allow people to move on without the huge costs involved in ward of court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59442/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (the 2015 Act) is an important piece of legislation that represents significant legal reform. It changes the existing law on capacity from the status approach of the wardship system to a flexible functional approach, whereby capacity is assessed on an issue and time-specific basis.
The Act will abolish the wards of court system for adults by repealing the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871. Adults currently in wardship will transition to the new decision-making support arrangements on a phased basis over 3 years from the date of commencement.
The Decision Support Service (DSS), which is the organisation that will operate the provisions of the 2015 Act, will respond to the complex decision-making needs of people with capacity difficulties. To date, the Decision Support Service has made considerable progress in preparing to operate the 2015 Act.
Amendments are required to the 2015 Act before full commencement can take place. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022, will streamline processes in the interests of those using its provisions. Amendments will also strengthen the safeguards included in the 2015 Act.
The Programme for Government remains committed to commencing the amended 2015 Act, recognising the importance of the much needed reform that it represents. The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022 has passed through the Dáil and recently passed Seanad Committee Stage on October 6th. Once this Bill has been enacted, the Government will move to quickly commence the 2015 Act thereafter.
480. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the progress of the high-level proposals for a national centre for research and remembrance overseen by the Secretary General of his Department. [57560/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 29 March last, the Government approved high-level proposals for a National Centre for Research and Remembrance to be located on the site of the former Magdalen Laundry on Sean McDermott Street in Dublin 1.
The Centre will stand as a site of conscience, and will be a national memorial to honour equally all those who were resident in Mother and Baby Homes, Industrial Schools, Reformatories, Magdalen Laundries and related institutions. It will comprise the following:
- a museum and exhibition space, the development of which will be led by the National Museum of Ireland;
- a research centre and repository of records related to institutional trauma in the 20th century, which will form part of the National Archives; and
- a place for reflection and remembrance.
As part of the development of the site, social housing units, local community facilities and educational facilities will also be constructed. The inclusion of these facilities will make a valuable contribution to the social and economic development of Dublin’s north-east inner city.
While physically situated in Dublin, the Centre will be accessible for all survivors, whether in other parts of Ireland or abroad. It will provide digital access to records and exhibits, as well as developing physical presences elsewhere, including in conjunction with some local museums, to enable survivors to visit more easily. In this way, the Centre will be a national institution, which achieves a global and national reach, as well as having strong connections to, and benefits for, the local community.
The creation of the Centre is a major, multi-annual project. In April 2022, a Steering Group, comprising the key State stakeholders involved in the development of the Centre, was established. This Group is chaired by Martin Fraser, former Secretary General to the Government and current Ambassador of Ireland to the United Kingdom.
The Group is responsible for developing the overall vision of the Centre and providing strategic oversight for the design, development, coordination and implementation of the composite elements. Under the leadership of the Steering Group, timelines for the development of the Centre, and the future operational and governance structures, are currently being developed. Detailed proposals on these matters will then be brought to Government for approval.
In July of this year, Dublin City Council voted to transfer ownership of the site to the Office of Public Works. To address urgent structural issues, and to facilitate building surveys, some necessary maintenance and remedial works by the Office of Public Works, have commenced on the site.
481. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has availed of all of the accommodation offers that were made to his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58713/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that in excess of 35,000 beds are contracted to my Department with more than 650 accommodation providers for the purposes of accommodating Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs). This accommodation includes hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering and certain other repurposed settings.
Other accommodation sources include
- Airbnb,
- Pledged accommodation,
- State-owned or private properties that may be suitable for short-term accommodation,
- Accommodation belonging to voluntary bodies,
- Religious properties and
- Local Authority facilities
Overall, given the scale of the unprecedented crisis response, providing access to suitable accommodation for persons fleeing the war in Ukraine remains a significant challenge. In sourcing and securing accommodation, the central consideration is the safety and security of the displaced people fleeing conflict.
I can confirm to the Deputy that a number of properties have been contracted by my Department and are providing accommodation to those seeking shelter and safety in Westport and its environs. The offers of accommodation are greatly appreciated and I commend the efforts of all in that locality and community in assisting those seeking assistance as part of the wider national humanitarian response.
Offers received are reviewed by the relevant division within my Department with a view to assessing the suitability of accommodation to the needs of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In certain instances, some properties may not have been accepted as the Department does not engage in the procurement of private houses/apartments that may impact on the private residential property market.
482. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the attention of his Department has been drawn to complaints in relation to a situation (details supplied) regarding housing; the steps that are being taken to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58714/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department treats all complaints about accommodation with the utmost seriousness and is committed to reviewing and acting on all complaints in a timely and efficient manner.
If a complaint requires an inspection, my Department will arrange for an inspection to be conducted by QTS Health and Safety Ltd on our behalf. If the inspection identifies any issues, my Department will ask the service provider to address them.
If issues of concern are not addressed, my Department has the authority to relocate people to a suitable alternative.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has agreed an inspection template for vacant pledged properties, which includes fire safety criteria. Inspections of suitable pledged vacant properties also take place prior to occupation.
The same criteria, (available to view on the gov.ie website), also applies to properties which a host shares with Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. Applicants for the Government Accommodation Recognition Payment must declare that they meet this standard.
