Written Answers Nos. 111-130
111. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the breakdown of funding for drug and alcohol addiction services from all sources for each county in each of the past five years to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59721/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is working along with other Government Departments and agencies to support the full implementation of the national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017-2025 and is leading on a number of actions to build the skills, knowledge and resilience and wellbeing in all of our children so they are equipped to deal with the challenges they face and to enable them to achieve their full potential and be the best they can be.
The table shows a breakdown of the funding provided by my Department in each of the past five years, supporting drug and alcohol addiction services.
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 to date |
|
County |
DubIin |
Dublin |
Dublin |
Dublin |
Dublin |
|
Amount |
€416,000.91 |
€402,123.80 |
€338,701.46 |
€209,180.91 |
€218,530.56 |
112. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) will be allocated a school bus ticket as per previous years, in line with Government commitments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59742/22]
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 have been 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.
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 referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they are attending their third nearest Post Primary Centre. The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present.
However, Bus Éireann have advised that they are currently assessing the existing school transport service to ascertain if it can accommodate the pupil referred and they will be in direct contact with the family in this regard.
113. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) will be allocated a school bus ticket as per previous years, in line with Government commitments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59744/22]
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 have been 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.
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 referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they are attending their third nearest Post Primary Centre. The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present.
However, Bus Éireann have advised that they are currently assessing the existing school transport service to ascertain if it can accommodate the pupil referred and they will be in direct contact with the family in this regard.
114. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if her Department has any policy relating to school admission for children with medical needs within their local area; and, if so, if she will outline the policy. [59745/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, requires all schools to have admissions policies, which have been approved by the patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. The school’s admissions policy is published on the schools website. It is a key requirement of the act that all school admission policies are fair and transparent.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available for the relevant year, the pupil/student should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils/student not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
The act requires schools to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied. The act does not provide for specific criteria for applicants with a medical condition. It is an important feature of the act that schools can only make a decision on an application for admission that is based on the schools admission policy.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 provides that all schools must have an Admission Statement. The Admission Statement sets out that the school will not discriminate against an applicant on the grounds of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, race, member of traveller community or special educational needs.
Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, the parent of the student, or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, may appeal a decision of this school to refuse admission. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(i) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due to the school being oversubscribed. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(ii) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due a reason other than the school being oversubscribed.
TUSLA’s Education Support Service (TESS) which is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. TESS can be contacted at 01-7718500. For ease of reference, I have provided you with a link to the relevant phone numbers for the Education Welfare Officers who are part of TESS assigned to various areas around the country: www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/local-area-offices.
115. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if there is a process through which in the case of a child (details supplied), who has recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, has been placed on the waiting list for secondary schools in their locality and who has been advised by these schools they are unlikely to receive an offer, can be offered a place in a school in their locality in order for their care needs to be met. [59746/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
My Department is committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. My Department strives to ensure that every child has access to an educational experience that is appropriate to their needs and supports both their academic and personal development.
Our policy, which is set out in the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN) is that children with SEN should be educated in mainstream placements with additional supports provided as appropriate.
The NCSE is statutorily responsible for planning and coordinating provision at both a local and a national level and advising my Department in this regard.
Where children require more specialised educational settings, such as special classes or special schools, the Department and National Council for Special Education (NCSE) ensures that the necessary resources and supports for such placements are provided in line with the needs of the child.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
At local level, the NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe. As part of Budget 2023, additional funding is being provided to allow the NCSE recruit additional staff, including SENOs. These additional resources should ensure that the NCSE can better support parents and schools in relation to the provision of special education needs places.
Significant improvements have been made to the forward planning process for special education places over the last 2 to 3 years, including:
- the inclusion of special classes in all new schools by default (e.g. 4 class in a 1000 pupil post-primary school).
- improving the use of Geographic Information Systems in planning for special classes and special school places and
- increased engagement with key stakeholders such as patron bodies and management bodies, particularly at post-primary level.
As of 31st October there have been 393 new special classes open for the 2022/2023 school year, bringing the total of special classes to 2,545 opened nationwide. The 393 new special classes for 2022/23 is broken down by 260 at primary level and 133 at post primary level.
As part of Budget 2023, my Department’s budget was substantially increased, by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 the Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023. This includes additional teaching and care supports.
For 2023, at least a further 370 special classes will open, taking the total number of special classes to over 2,900 in 2023.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.
My Department wants to reassure you also that it will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
As the matter raised relates to an individual case, I have also arranged to forward the details you have provided to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
116. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to remedy a shortfall of places at a second level school campus in Maynooth, County Kildare; and the steps persons can take if they fail to secure a place in the school via a lottery system despite meeting all entry requirements (details supplied). [59778/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements. Projections of post primary school place requirements are informed by multiple factors, including primary school enrolments in the area and primary to post primary transfer patterns.
My Department's projections of post primary school place requirements in Maynooth show some continued growth in overall enrolments in the short- to medium-term. However, despite projected overall growth, first year place requirements are anticipated to remain generally stable.
While my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in Maynooth, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications - pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
- School of choice – pupils cannot get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
My Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues across school planning areas through ongoing discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities.
This close engagement will allow my Department to identify at an early stage particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.
Maynooth Post Primary School recently completed a project which provided for a total enrolment capacity of 1000 pupils and 2 classrooms for students with special education needs.
Maynooth Community College also recently completed a project which provided for a total enrolment capacity of 1,000 pupils and 2 classrooms for students with special education needs.
Gael Coláiste Mhaigh Nuad also currently has a project at project brief stage.
The requirement for additional school places is kept under on-going review. Additionally, my Department will continue to liaise with the Local Authority in respect of its review of Development Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements.
118. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will consider a restructuring of the capitation grant scheme for primary schools to provide for additional support for smaller schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59824/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to all recognised 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 staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
I understand the need for improved capitation funding and I am pleased that budget 2020 was able to provide for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary schools that applied from the start of the 2020/21 school year. This builds on the 5% increase in capitation announced in budget 2019.
The standard capitation grant rate is €183 per pupil and the standard ancillary grant rate is €173 per pupil. In the case of small schools each of these grants is based on an enrolment of 60 pupils bringing the total value of these grants to €21,360.
All schools have received the benefit of the capitation increases awarded to date. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets.
My Department has also made the services of the Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU) available to support small schools in the area of financial governance and management. The FSSU provide templates specifically tailored for the needs of these schools and also provide assistance through online supports and school visits.
119. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Education when payment will issue to a person (details supplied). [59825/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current 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 the 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.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
I am pleased to advise that the child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs.
A Special Transport Grant has been sanctioned and a payment processed from the date of application up until the child referred commenced on a school transport service. Family will be notified of the date the payment will be lodged into their account within the coming days.
120. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the status of the review of the guidelines on the use of schools for community use; the date the review will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59871/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department plans to conduct a survey of a representative sample of schools on the use of school facilities after school hours for community and related uses. The results of this survey, which is due to commence in Quarter 1 2023, will be used to inform a review of the Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours.
121. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the number of children placed on reduced timetables in junior infants, senior infants and first class, across Dublin 1, Dublin 3, Dublin 7 and Dublin 9 and nationwide in the 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years. [59872/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra122. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the number of children placed on reduced timetables across Dublin 1, Dublin 3, Dublin 7 and Dublin 9 and nationwide in the 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22 school years. [59873/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
A commitment was made under the Programme for Government to ensure robust data collection on the use of reduced school days and to further ensure that reduced school days are only used in a manner that is limited, appropriate and absolutely necessary.
My Department issued guidelines to schools on reduced school days in September 2021 which came into effect from 1st January 2022. My Department is working closely with the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) to ensure that all students are supported to the greatest extent possible to attend for the full school day.
Tusla Education Support Service have been gathering data from schools in relation to the use of reduced school days. My Department will shortly publish a composite report on the data compiled. Work is currently on-going to finalise this report and it is my intention to publish this data in the near future and my department will be happy to assist with any remaining enquiries the deputy may have at that point. I am committed to continuing to take any action necessary to meet our Programme for Government commitment.
123. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) cannot receive a payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59583/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 18 January 2022. Their application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was refused as her means exceed the statutory maximum allowed under the DA scheme.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 27 May 2022 and was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
An appeal was lodged with the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).
On 19 August 2022 the SWAO notified us that the original decision was upheld and the appeal was disallowed. The person concerned was notified directly by the SWAO regarding their appeal.
An Appeal Officer’s decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence. It is open to the person in question to reapply for DA.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
124. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide clarification regarding eligibility and receipt of the one-off payments announced in budget 2023; if a person can be in receipt of several lump sum payments, for example, if one person receives the lump sum payment for disability-related supports and the lump sum payment for carers or the lump sum fuel allowance payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59623/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, I announced on Budget Day that my Department will spend approximately €1.2 billion on social welfare measures to help individuals and families through this difficult period.
These measures include an Autumn Double Payment, which was paid in mid-October to over 1.4 million people, including pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents, and jobseekers. This was followed by a double payment of Child Benefit on 1st November, which was paid in respect of 1.2 million children across the State.
During the week commencing 14th November, my Department paid a range of cost of living supports, which included:
- A €400 lump sum payment to over 370,000 households in receipt of Fuel Allowance;
- A €500 lump sum payment to 44,000 families receiving the Working Family Payment;
- A €500 Disability Support Grant to 216,000 recipients of Disability Allowance, Blind Pension and Invalidity Pension; and
- A €200 lump sum payment to the 234,000 recipients of the Living Alone Allowance.
The following week my Department paid a lump sum of €500 to over 114,000 carers.
I can confirm the Fuel Allowance lump sum will be paid to all Fuel Allowance recipients. A person in receipt of disability related supports and Fuel Allowance will receive one lump sum payment of €500 in respect of their disability related support and one lump sum payment of €400 in respect of their Fuel Allowance payment. If they are in receipt of the Living Alone Allowance, they will also receive the €200 Living Alone Allowance lump sum.
A person in receipt of Disability related supports and an additional Half-rate Carer's payment will receive one €500 cost of living support payment based on their primary payment. Those receiving a weekly carer's payment will also have received the double payment in October 2022 and next week will receive the Christmas Bonus double payment. Persons in receipt of both a primary payment and a half rate payment received a double payment in respect of both payments in October and will do so again next week as part of the Christmas Bonus. In addition, from January, all weekly core payments will be increased by €12 – the largest increase in weekly payments rates since the mid 2000s.
For completeness, I can also inform the Deputy that recipients of the Domiciliary Care Allowance will also receive the €500 carers lump sum and, from January, the monthly Domiciliary Care Allowance Payment will be increased by €20.50 to €330 – the first increase to this payment since 2009.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
125. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of community welfare officers employed by Intreo offices in Dublin South-Central over the past three years. [59628/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 29 Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) employed by Intreo Centres in Dublin South Central, namely in the Ballyfermot, Bishop’s Square and Cork Street Intreo Centres. This figure includes the team of CWOs working exclusively on Rent Supplements in the Cork Street Intreo Centre.
Given the fluctuation in demand for the Community Welfare Service (CWS), particularly during the pandemic when resources were allocated to areas where they were most needed, staffing numbers within locations changed frequently. Therefore, it is not possible to provide accurate information relating to number of CWOs for years prior to 2022.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
126. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a fuel allowance and the living alone allowance increase will be extended to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who has a modest occupational pension and is struggling with the cost of living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59630/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Living Alone Allowance is a payment for people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments. It is also paid to people aged under 66 who live alone and are in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Incapacity Supplement or Blind Pension. The Living Alone Allowance is not means tested and the payment is made as an increase to the recipient’s primary social welfare payment.
A claimant must be in receipt of a primary Social Protection payment in order to qualify for the Living Alone Allowance.
The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €366 million in 2022. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. Only one allowance is paid per household.
For those under age 70, to receive the Fuel Allowance payment, an applicant must be in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment, satisfy a means test and the household composition test. This ensures that the Fuel Allowance payment goes to those who are more vulnerable to fuel poverty including those reliant on social protection payments for longer periods and those who are unlikely to have additional resources of their own.
From next January, for applicants aged 70 and over, there is a new means test threshold of €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple. Under the formula used to assess means for the Fuel Allowance for over 70s, the threshold for capital that is disregarded in the assessment will increase from €20,000 to €50,000. Also, from next January, an over-70 applicant no longer needs to be in receipt of a qualifying payment. Household composition rules continue to apply.
The Government is very aware of the increased cost of living and in Budget 2023 implemented significant measures to help people with these additional costs. These measures include non-social protection measures including a further €600 in energy credits.
Furthermore, the Department of Social Protection provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who have an urgent need, which they cannot meet from their own resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
127. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the new income limits for over-70s fuel allowance to couples whose combined weekly income is under €1,000, regardless of whether both are in receipt of a qualifying payment (details supplied). [59631/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €366 million in 2022. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs.
In Budget 2023, I secured funding for the largest ever expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme. It is estimated that this expansion could bring up to 81,000 additional households into the scheme. The changes announced take effect from the first week in January.
For applicants aged 70 and over, there is a new means test limit of €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple. I can confirm that from January, an over-70 applicant or their spouse (irrespective of whether they are over or under 70) no longer needs to be in receipt of a qualifying payment. Existing household composition rules continue to apply.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
128. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a limit per household for the payment of the respite care grant bonuses; and if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a payment. [59641/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile there is no limit per household on the payment of the Cost-of-Living lump sum payment, the payment is a single lump sum paid to a carer irrespective of the number of persons being cared for. In addition, recipients who are in receipt of one or more of the following schemes will qualify for only one €500 Cost-of-Living payment - Blind Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Disability Allowance, Domiciliary Care Allowance or Invalidity Pension.
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 Carer's Allowance (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 should complete a declaration form which has issued to them on 29th of November, 2022.
On receipt of a fully completed declaration form, the entitlement of the person concerned 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.
129. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if a list will be provided of all schemes and programmes under the remit of her Department for which a means test applies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59663/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.
The primary social assistance schemes under the remit of my Department for which a means test applies are as follows:
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Jobseeker's Transitional Payment
- Disability Allowance
- Farm Assist
- State Pension (Non-contributory)
- Blind Pension
- Widow’s, Widower’s and Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-contributory) Pension
- Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory)
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Carer's Allowance
- Supplementary Welfare Allowance
- Working Family Payment
- Rent Supplement
The National Fuel Scheme (Fuel Allowance) also uses a means test to establish entitlement during the Fuel Season; however most recipient households have already fulfilled the means requirements through receipt of a means assessed Social Assistance payment.
Whilst a mean-test is not required in order to qualify the primary recipient for social insurance based schemes, means tests can also apply in respect of the qualification of adult dependants on these schemes.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
130. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the attendance record of her Department at all joint policing committee and city and county development board meetings since 2015 to date, in tabular form. [59690/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the committees concerned are not convened by the Department of Social Protection, we do not have attendance records available.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
