Written Answers Nos. 49-69
49. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if she will address serious concerns raised by a person (details supplied) that have emerged with respect to the assessment of need process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assessment of Need (AON) process is provided for under the Disability Act 2005. Assessment Officers under the remit of the HSE are charged with organising the Assessment of Need. The Assessment Officer makes the determination as to whether or not a child or young person meets the definition of disability contained in the Act and the HSE Assessment Officer coordinates and completes the Assessment Report.
Following on from a court ruling in October 2021 there is now a legal obligation on the education system to assist the HSE as part of the HSE’s Assessment of Need Process (AON).
The Department of Education and NCSE have worked intensively to ensure the process put in place adheres to legal obligations arising from the HSE’s AON process and is one that is rooted in existing good practice in schools. Under the Disability Act (2005) the NCSE is obliged to nominate a person with appropriate expertise to assist in the education assessment process.
It is important to note that the educational component of the AON process refers to assessment of education needs. Assessment in education is an everyday practice in schools which results in the identification of a child’s education need and the measures required to address these needs.
Identification of education needs, therefore, is central to the way schools operate. Schools provide for the inclusion and participation of all students and provide an education which is appropriate to a student’s abilities and needs.
In that regard, it is important to note that schools routinely identify students’ needs. This is embedded in school practice. This aligns with the obligations on schools arising from the Education Act 1998. They use a range of assessment practices as part of the Continuum of Support process. The Continuum of Support framework enables the school to identify, address and review progress in meeting the academic, social and emotional needs of the pupil, as well as physical, sensory, language and communication needs.
Schools have been provided with a range of resources to ensure that the education needs of all students, including those with a disability or other special education needs, are identified and supported. The Department of Education issued Guidelines for Primary and Post Primary schools (2017) as to how they should identify and provide for the special education and learning needs of students.
Information derived from the schools’ assessments in education are recorded in a ‘Student Support File’. In line with best educational practice, the Student Support file details a student’s education needs as identified by the school. The information contained in the Student Support File is used in completing the educational component of the AON form which is returned to the HSE via the NCSE.
The Department of Education and the NCSE are conscious of the workload on schools and on school leaders and, in that regard, an extensive consultation process on the educational component of the AON was undertaken prior to its introduction. This process involved schools, advocacy groups, management bodies and unions. The Department of Education and the NCSE worked with a small number of schools on a draft of the documents required as part of the HSE’s AON process. The schools provided valuable feedback on the form and guidance documents which was used to inform the documents which have been issued to schools.
The Department of Education and the NCSE have put in place a suite of supports to assist schools in completing the educational component of the HSE’s AON process. These include:
- Detailed guidance,
- Short video for use by schools setting how to comply with the process,
- Email support,
Phone support at 01 603 3200 to access administrative support or further access to specialist support
I think it is important to note that this remains a HSE process. The information retained in schools on a student’s education needs, are transferred into a Report Form that will be returned to the HSE to feed into the overall AON process. The education system is assisting the HSE on the educational component only, as part of the HSE’s Assessment of Need Process (AON).
On foot of ongoing engagement the Department and NCSE advised stakeholders on 27 October that the trailing process which began earlier this year would continue for the educational component of assessment of need (AON) process which is currently taking place at school level. As is the case of any measure required to comply with legal obligations, the Department engaged with the unions, management bodies and a number of schools prior to the introduction of the trial AON process in schools. Engagement occurred in June to inform unions and management bodies of this process and continued with feedback on the trialling process to stakeholders in September. The Department is committed to ongoing engagement on this process.
This extended trailing is being led by NCSE and supported by the Department. The Department and NCSE are satisfied that the information provided as a result of this engagement will meet the requirements as set out in the AON process.
Upon completion of the extended trialing process the feedback received will be analysed and the recommendations used to inform the final process.
Work will continue with stakeholders to finalise an education focused AON process.
50. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education her plans to develop a level 1 and level 2 learning programme for senior cycle students; when such a programme is expected to be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61098/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra55. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education when three levels will be in place for the leaving certificate, as is the case with the junior certificate (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61147/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 55 together.
The Deputy will be aware that earlier this year I announced an ambitious programme of work for a reimagined Senior Cycle of education where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience which will:
- Empower students to meet the challenges of the 21st century
- Enrich the student experience and build on what’s strong in our current system
- Embed wellbeing and reduce student stress levels
The redeveloped Senior Cycle will involve the creation and development of more flexible learning pathways within school.
The approach to Senior Cycle redevelopment is ambitious, optimistic and inclusive. Senior Cycle redevelopment will ensure that the diversity of students’ learning needs and strengths are addressed and that all learning pathways in school are accessible and equally valued. It will broaden the ways used to assess and accredit students’ achievement, to better reflect and encourage the learning we wish to promote.
In a redeveloped Senior Cycle, real opportunities to progress, consolidate and transfer learning should be available for students of Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes, for those who can currently access these programmes at Junior Cycle.
I have requested that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) develop follow-on programmes for students studying Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes (L1/L2LPs) in Junior Cycle as they progress to Senior Cycle.
To commence this process, NCCA has recently completed a review of the L1/L2LPs in Junior Cycle, during which it also sought to learn more from schools about their curriculum provision for students in Senior Cycle who followed L1/L2LPs in Junior Cycle. The findings of the review will inform the work of the Post Primary Special Education Development Group which is tasked with the development of follow-on Senior Cycle modules for students progressing from Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes.
These modules will be student-centred and age-, peer- and learning needs appropriate and contribute to students’ intellectual, social and personal growth and maturity. It is expected that the development of the modules will be completed by autumn 2024.
51. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education when a person (details supplied) who has applied for a bus ticket for transport to school will receive a ticket; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61107/22]
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.
Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport as they do not meet the distance criteria as set out in the post primary school transport scheme.
Bus Éireann further advised that the child referred submitted an application after the closing date of 29 April for 2022/23 school year and was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2022/23 school year.
52. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made, from the date of the original application to date, on the construction of a school (details supplied); the reason for the delays, if any, in progressing the application; the expected commencement date for the construction of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61109/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA major building project for the school in question has been devolved for delivery to Louth County Council.
I am pleased to inform the deputy that the Department recently authorised Louth County Council to issue the Letter of Intent to the preferred tenderer. If all is in order with the Supplementary Tender Report that follows, a Letter of Acceptance will then issue. This will facilitate commencement of construction work by the preferred tenderer in the near future.
The project is with Louth County Council to progress at this time.
53. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if she intends to conduct a review in the near future of the effectiveness of her Department’s payroll system in light of reported issues from teachers regarding difficulty having changes made or mistakes rectified in salaries; the reason it is taking so long to have salary issues addressed and the difficulties for teachers trying to communicate with her Department; if she will specifically investigate the issues reported by a deputy principal (details supplied) and ensure that the problems are rectified as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61114/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoards of Management of schools are the direct employers of teachers and my Department acts as paymaster to over 4,000 schools in the primary, voluntary secondary, community and comprehensive schools.
To efficiently process any change that affects payment of salary, my Department relies on schools to notify Payroll Division in a timely manner. Where the notification by the school occurs after the payroll has closed for that time period, then an overpayment of salary can occur. Any notification that affects salary, must be received by the DE and recorded 13 days in advance of a payment date. This period of time is required to complete the payroll process from the calculation of gross pay through to nett pay and then to move funds to meet the banking deadlines.
In relation to the teacher referred to by the Deputy, there are two key aspects to this case, (i) the notification by the school of changes which affected this person’s salary was unfortunately too late for processing within the pay schedule and (ii) incorrect information was given by a department payroll staff member in relation to the value of overpayments involved.
The Department has a statutory obligation to recoup monies overpaid in error, to a teacher or non-teaching staff member. My Department is working with the teacher concerned to put a flexible repayment plan in place which will cause no undue financial hardship to her.
Following a complaint by the teacher concerned, a full review was carried out by an official from my Department and a letter issued with a comprehensive explanation and an apology. In addition a senior official from my Department telephoned the teacher concerned and again apologised for the error that occurred.
Since the initial complaint was received from the teacher, an official from my Department, has been in regular contact with the teacher concerned.
On a general note, there are a number of ways for teachers to contact my Department including by email, post and telephone and in this particular situation a staff member is dedicated to liaising with the individual teacher concerned.
54. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Education the number of early school leavers by county in each of the years between 2016 and 2022, in tabular form. [61136/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease find attached requested tables for years 2016-2021, the last year for which we have data available.
Early school leavers table 2016
Early school leavers table 2017
Early school leavers table 2018
Early school leavers table 2019
Early school leavers table 2020
Early school leavers table 2021
The retention rate is calculated based on the first-year entry, tracking the progression through post-primary until the leaving certificate examination. The number of early school leavers is the number of pupils who have not sat their Leaving Certificate from the initial cohort of first-year students.
56. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the number of children waiting on a placement in an ASD unit in south Tipperary; her plans to open further units given that all units are currently full; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61190/22]
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.
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.
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. 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.
The NCSE have current data on students attending Special Classes and Special Schools for the Tipperary area but data relating to future planning for each school’s projected needs would be held locally at the school level.
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 31 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.
57. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the location in which a child (details supplied) in south Tipperary will be given a placement in an ASD unit in a mainstream school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61191/22]
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.
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.
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. 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 31 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.
I want reassure you also that my Department 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 query refers to an individual, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
58. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education the current average waiting time for retiring teachers to receive their pensions; and the number who have waited more than eight weeks for their first payment in 2022. [61241/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe average waiting time for a retired teacher to receive their pension is currently four weeks.
In 2022 Pension Unit in my Department has received 1,211 applications for retirement with only 98 retired teachers waiting more than eight weeks to receive their pension. Any delays encountered in receipt of pension payments were outside the control of Pension Unit.
59. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Education if she will review the case of a primary school pupil (details supplied) who cannot get an educational assessment carried out, given that there is no National Educational Psychological Service psychologist available to the pupil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have made enquiries in relation to the school referred to by the Deputy. While the assigned psychologist is on maternity leave, the school continues to have access to support and development work delivered by the local team, critical incident response, advisory support from an allocated psychologist and pupil casework via the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA). A member of the local NEPS team undertakes the role of advisory psychologist to respond to queries that the school may have and to support access to the SCPA if needed. I can report that the school’s NEPS advisory psychologist has been in touch with this school to support the staff with their specific queries.
60. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if separate funding streams are available to schools to help with the costs of providing tracksuits for pupils at primary school level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61272/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Education, I am acutely aware of the costs faced by families upon the return of their children to school.
Policy on school uniforms is a matter for individual schools and Boards of Management.
Taking the above into account, my Department’s Circular 0032/2017, was issued to the Boards of Management of all recognised primary and post-primary schools and to the Chief Executives of the Education and Training Boards. This Circular sets out the principles of cost-effective practice to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of returning to school.
Under these measures, schools should select school uniform items which are generic and can be purchased from an array of retailers. Only "iron on" or "sew on" crests should be used.
Schools should also consult with parents as to their views on how to reduce costs.
The Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill is currently before Dáil Éireann. When enacted, it will improve how schools engage with students and their parents by requiring each school to consult with students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities, including school costs. This will help ensure that the various views of students and parents will be heard and responded to by schools.
61. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the timeframe for the refurbishment works on a school (details supplied) to be completed; the estimated cost of these works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61310/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project referred to by the deputy has been devolved for delivery to Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB). The project consists of an extension & major refurbishment of existing buildings to provide for 4 Mainstream classrooms and 2 SET rooms.
The project is currently nearing completion of Stage 3 of the architectural planning process. The tender submissions are currently under review by CMETB. While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, CMETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
62. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of extra school transport places that have been provided since the initial allocation in September 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61396/22]
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.
As part of the budgetary process, as a temporary measure for the 2022/2023 school year, some additional funding was made available to cater for pupils who are outside the normal eligibility of the School Transport Scheme.
Bus Éireann have been prioritising areas where there were “on time concessionary pupils” who had tickets in the previous school year. It is important to stress that this is subject to capacity considerations. Constraints in sourcing vehicles and drivers in certain areas of the country has meant that it is taking a number of weeks to explore solutions for additional capacity.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that all 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.
In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level have continued for the 2022/2023 school year.
Under these measures, transport is provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th July.
At the beginning of September 2022, approximately 122,000 mainstream tickets had issued. Tickets have been allocated on an ongoing basis in the intervening period where capacity allows, and so as of 23 November over 129,000 mainstream tickets had been issued to eligible and concessionary pupils.
A full breakdown of the tickets issued for the 2022/23 school year will not be available until Bus Eireann have had an opportunity to assess all the applications received.
63. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) who worked as a CE supervisor and retired in 2021 will receive a payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61053/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The first group applications have been received - from this group of persons who retired since 2008. In total, 630 completed applications have been received to date, with just over 570 of these processed and ready for payment.
The person concerned has submitted an application for the ex-gratia payment, which has been processed and they have been advised of the details of their payment. Work on processing payments has commenced in respect of the claims that are finalised with payments starting to issue this week. The recipients will receive notification by text or e-mail when their payments are issuing. It is my intention that all payments due will issue before the Christmas break.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
64. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a full list of payments which will be eligible for the Christmas bonus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61057/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to announce on Budget Day that a 100% Christmas Bonus will be paid this year benefitting 1.3 million people in receipt of long-term social welfare payments.
The Bonus includes payments to pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, lone parents and the long-term unemployed in recognition of their long-term financial dependence on their social welfare payment for all, or most, of their income.
I am particularly pleased that, for the first time, the Christmas Bonus is being extended to long-term recipients of Illness Benefit.
This payment is an additional help to people as we enter the Christmas period and much of this is spent locally, supporting local economies throughout the country. Given the ongoing cost of living pressures, this will be a particularly important support for low-income households this year.
The list of Social Protection payments which are eligible for the Christmas Bonus is below.
|
Schemes |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance* |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
|
Widow(er)s' Pension (Non-Contributory) |
|
Jobseeker's Transitional Payment |
|
Deserted Wife's Allowance |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance* |
|
Daily Expenses Allowance* |
|
Farm Assist |
|
Community Employment |
|
Rural Social Scheme |
|
Job Initiative |
|
Tús |
|
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance |
|
Back to Education Allowance* |
|
Back to Work Family Dividend |
|
Disability Allowance |
|
Blind Pension |
|
Carer's Allowance |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
|
Guardian's Payment (Non-Contributory) |
|
Magdalen Commission Scheme |
|
State Pension (Contributory) |
|
Widow(er)s' Surviving Civil Partners Pension (Contributory) |
|
Occupational Injuries Death Benefit |
|
Deserted Wife's Benefit |
|
Partial Capacity Benefit |
|
Invalidity Pension |
|
Disablement Benefit |
|
Carer's Benefit |
|
Guardian's Payment (Contributory) |
|
Benefit payment for 65 year olds, Jobseeker’s Benefit* Jobseeker’s Benefit for the Self-Employed* |
|
Illness Benefit* |
* 12 months duration on eligible social welfare payment or scheme is required in order to be eligible for the Bonus. Time spent on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment is included in jobseeker qualifying period.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
65. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection if the qualifying PRSI contributions required for the over-65s benefit payment can be assessed using a person's whole term of employment and not the contributions in the governing contribution year to cater for those who would not qualify for a social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61063/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra75. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review has taken place in respect of the issue concerning class S PRSI contributions arising solely from personal pensions and the implications for those who are applying for the benefit payment for 65-year-olds; if it will be acknowledged that these persons are not self-employed and should be considered for this payment if all other criteria are met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61196/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 75 together.
The Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds, provided under the Jobseeker's Benefit schemes, was introduced in line with the Programme for Government commitment to address the position of people who are required to or choose to retire at age 65 before the pension age of 66.
The payment is designed to bridge the gap for people who retire from employment or self-employment at 65 until they qualify for the State Pension at age 66. The social insurance contribution requirements are not as high as those required for receipt of the State Pension, and people retiring at age 65, given they have a recent attachment to the workforce, should, in most cases meet the required PRSI conditionality.
Applicants must satisfy the statutory PRSI conditionality for payment which includes having a specified number of contributions paid in the Governing Contribution Year (GCY), which is the second last complete tax year. For example, for a claim in 2022, the second last complete tax year is 2020. A person must have paid 104 PRSI insurable employment contributions at class A, H or P or paid 156 class S contributions if they are self-employed. The second contribution condition requires that a person must also have 39 reckonable contributions paid or credited in the GCY. At least 13 of these contributions must be paid. Where a person does not have 13 paid contributions in the GCY they can be from 2 years before the GCY, the last complete tax year or the current tax year; or they have at least 26 reckonable contributions paid in both the GCY and the year immediately preceding the GCY. In the case of the self-employed there is a requirement to have 52 contributions in the GCY.
The reason for the requirement to have paid contributions in the manner set out in legislation is to demonstrate a recent attachment to the workforce.
Where a person does not satisfy the contribution requirement for receipt of this payment, they may be eligible to apply for support under the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme subject to satisfying the conditions for that scheme.
On the wider issue of entitlement to Jobseekers Benefit (Self-Employed), I have recently signed a Regulation to provide that self-employed contributors who have lost their usual self-employed occupation and who are in receipt of an Approved Retirement Fund may now be eligible for Jobseekers Benefit (Self-Employed) in certain circumstances. This includes people at age 65 years who are applying for the Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds, where they satisfy the other conditions of the scheme.
The Minister has advised her intention to explore the design of a scheme to modify the current Benefit Payment for 65-year-olds to provide a benefit payment for people who, following a long working life, 40 years or more, are not in a position to remain working in their early 60s. Proposals from this process will be considered in due course.
I trust that this clarifies the position.
66. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the processing times for the fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance scheme is a means tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards their heating costs, it is not intended to meet these costs in full. The payment is made over the winter season at the weekly rate of €33.00 or, if preferred, by way of two payment instalments. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to re-apply annually.
As part of the overall social welfare Budget 2023 package of €2.2 Billion, I was pleased to secure a major expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme, expected to benefit up to 81,000 additional households during this fuel allowance season.
As Fuel Allowance is a means tested payment, Deciding Officers must have sufficient information to assess whether all the necessary eligibility conditions for the scheme are satisfied. In certain cases, additional information may be needed to allow the Deciding Officer to complete their assessment.
Fuel Allowance is generally paid in conjunction with a person’s primary social welfare payment. It is paid across a number of IT systems with differing functionality for recording processing activity, which means accurate information on fuel allowance processing is not readily available. However the Department is up to date with processing the normal intake of fuel application not subject to the budget changes
The budget measures, of most benefit to those over 70, are effective from January 2023. Implementation of the new measures, from January, required a number of changes to be made to the Department’s IT systems, some of which are now complete.
A new streamlined online application service was opened on 5 December 2022, to assist applicants, especially those over 70, to easily and quickly apply for the payment at a time and place that suits them. A paper application for over 70s will be available from 19 December 2022.
In preparation for an expected increase in applications from those over pension age, my Department has already assigned an additional 32 resources to process Fuel Allowance applications, with a further 13 to be assigned over the coming weeks. A telephone service is also in place to support customers. An information campaign, from 7 December 2022, aims to raise awareness about the Fuel Allowance payment and the new online service, particularly amongst those over 70.
I am advised that higher than normal volumes of applications continue to be received by the pension areas. These areas are currently processing these applications in anticipation of the increased volumes of applications on foot of the Budget 2023 announcement.
As at the end of November 2022, there are almost 383,000 Fuel Allowance recipients.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
67. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the pay claim by CE supervisors. [61065/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI value the role CE supervisors and assistant supervisors play on over 800 CE schemes in local communities across the country. They support CE participants to get work experience and develop future work opportunities for those who are long term unemployed, while providing essential services to local communities. As the Deputy is aware, CE supervisors and assistant supervisors are not employees of the Department and are not public servants. They are employees of individual schemes. This means that any discussions on employment related matters are complex. In the role as funder of CE, Department of Social Welfare officials have ongoing engagement with community employment supervisors and their union representatives to discuss operational issues and other matters of common concern, the latest of these engagements was as recent as last Thursday, December 1.
The Department, as the funder of CE schemes, received correspondence earlier this year from Fórsa and SIPTU seeking a pay increase for CE supervisors and assistant supervisors. The department has since been advised that Fórsa and SIPTU have referred a pay claim to the conciliation service of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The WRC has issued an invite to the Department to take part in a conciliation process. Any increase in pay rates that would potentially increase the overall cost to the state of funding schemes, or state funded activities in the wider community and voluntary sector, must take into consideration the potential cost to the exchequer. Given these budgetary implications, and the referral of other similar claims to the WRC, the Department has followed-up with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is considering their views, prior to responding to the invite from the WRC.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
68. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Social Protection if support will be provided for persons (details supplied) who have yet to receive their €400 lump sum payment which was due on 18 November 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61080/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance scheme is a means tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards heating costs, it is not intended to meet these costs in full. The payment is made at the weekly rate of €33.00; or if preferred, by way of two lump sum payments; and is paid over the winter season. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to reapply annually.
Based on the information available to my department, the persons concerned, who are in receipt of a State Contributory Pension (SPC), have not made an application for the Fuel Allowance scheme.
As part of the overall social welfare Budget 2023 package of €2.2 billion, I announced an additional lump sum payment of €400.00 to households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment.
The additional payment of €400.00 was paid to all households in receipt of Fuel Allowance in the week beginning 14th November 2022. Those in receipt of weekly Fuel Allowance payments received their weekly payment of €33.00 plus the additional payment of €400.00, and those who received their payment by lump sum received the additional lump sum payment of €400.00.
The €400.00 lump sum will also be paid to all those whose entitlement to Fuel Allowance commenced on or before week beginning 14th November 2022, even though their claim may be decided later than that week.
The additional €400.00 payment was issued automatically to all recipients of Fuel Allowance; they did not need to contact my Department.
To make an application, the quickest and easiest way to apply is online at mywelfare.ie . Alternatively, if the person concerned is unable to access online services, an application form for Fuel Allowance has been issued to the person concerned and their entitlement can be examined when they submit the completed application to the National Fuel Scheme Section in Sligo. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
69. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for the fuel allowance in the case of persons (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61081/22]
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.
Following recent representations, a Fuel Allowance application issued to the persons concerned. To date, there is no record of receipt of a Fuel Allowance application. On receipt of the completed application their entitlement will be examined, and they will be notified of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
