Written Answers Nos. 437-456
437. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education when she expects the construction phase of a new building for a school (details supplied) to commence, following the tendering process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8805/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA major building project for the school in question has been devolved for delivery to Louth County Council.
Following submission of the Tender Report, the Department recently authorised Louth County Council to issue the Letter of Intent to the preferred tenderer. The Supplementary Tender Report was subsequently submitted to the Department in recent weeks and is currently under review. The Department will make contact with Louth County Council following completion of this review.
Running parallel to the review of this particular Supplementary Tender Report, the Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.
438. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she has considered amending the student teacher Gaeltacht grant to provide full State funding of mandatory Gaeltacht placement for all student teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8819/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are four state-funded higher education institutions (HEIs) providing primary initial teacher education (ITE) and one independent private provider of primary ITE.
The current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.
Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints. The rate of student grant for 2023 has been set at an average of €815. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly course in 2023. This grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes.
439. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if she will address serious safety concerns that have been brought to the attention of her Department by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8854/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
For 2023, the spend by my Department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my 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. It also includes funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) for an additional 54 psychologists to provide services to special schools and special classes.
In 2023 the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 special needs assistants in our schools next year.
For the first time ever we will have over 19,000 teachers working in the area of special education and over 20,000 Special needs assistants. Together we have almost 40,000 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.
It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
The school can apply to the NCSE for a review of its SNA allocation if it is insufficient to meet the needs of its students. Detailed information on the NCSE Exceptional Review process is published on the NCSE website. ncse.ie/application-for-sna-exceptional-review.
In relation to the school in question the NCSE have confirmed to my Department that an application for an SNA Exceptional review was received for the school referred to by the Deputy on 22nd November 2022, and a review was undertaken by 2 SENOs on 11th January 2023.
The application did not meet the criteria for a change in the SNA allocation to the Special Class.
The NCSE state that the current allocation of 3 SNA posts in the special class was deemed appropriate as meeting the Primary Care Needs of all pupils in the class.
Following the outcome of a review, the NCSE can make the local SENO available to the school to discuss their current deployment of SNA supports in the school and to put these supports to the best advantage of the students. NCSE in-school support is also available to schools to offer further guidance and support.
The NCSE has an appeal mechanism for schools who are not satisfied with the outcome of the Exceptional Review. The NCSE confirmed that appeal documents were received from the school on 13th February, and these documents were forwarded to the appeals officer. The appeals officer will inform the school of the outcome of the appeal and will provide an explanation of the determination in due course.
All schools have the contact details of their local SENO, and the SENO is available to offer assistance and advice to the school. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
The Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations and the school should liaise with the NCSE directly in the event that additional supports are required.
440. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the details of the supports that her Department has provided for Ukraine and for Ukrainian people since February 2022, whether in Ukraine or within the State; the number of people supported, where relevant; the estimated cost and value of the support where available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8863/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur schools have done great work in welcoming Ukrainian children and young people into their communities since 25 February 2022. As of 31 January 2023, 14,482 students have formally enrolled in schools across all 26 counties.
My Department continues to support our school in their immediate response to children and young people from Ukraine, especially through Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT), and through other supports which are outlined below.
REALT
The primary role of REALT is to build on existing regional education support structures and the initial focus is on assisting families in securing school places, when they are ready to engage with the school system. REALT also advise and support my Department in developing new capacity where required, and co-ordinate the provision of education services to schools and families across their defined area. The remit of the REALTs has been extended to include supporting non-Ukrainian IPAS arrivals and children under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) to find school places.
Additional resources have been made available to REALT and to schools to support the enrolment of Ukrainian pupils. As part of this process a number of additional REALT resources have been appointed to areas under pressure.
The Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) team continue to operate as normal with new arrivals and work closely with the 16 REALT coordinators in the regions, and can request supports from REALT when needed to assist with the enrolment in schools. The statutory role of Tusla, to ensure all children aged 6 to 16 are in receipt of an education, is not affected.
English Language Provision
The allocation of specialist resources to schools takes account of the needs of pupils in the school including, where appropriate, English as an Additional Language (EAL) needs.
The Department of Education has, as of 10 February 2023, allocated an additional 923 EAL (English as an Additional Language) posts to support primary and post-primary schools in respect of the 2022/23 school year; 661 in 1,465 primary schools and 256 in 447 post primary schools. The Department continues to receive applications from schools and processing of these applications is ongoing.
All schools have been advised of the accelerated process for applying for EAL and the frontloading process for the allocation of SEN resources (including teachers and SNAs). In addition, where existing teacher resources have been exhausted to fulfil the allocated hours for EAL, post-primary schools can apply to the local ETB’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) panel of tutors to source additional personnel. ETBs have recruited to these panels over the past few months.
School transport
My Department in consultation with Bus Éireann has put in place a process to facilitate the provision of School Transport Scheme Services for children arriving to Ireland from Ukraine. Every effort is being made to ensure school transport services are up and running as they are required. However, given the ongoing movement and arrival of families, it may in some cases take some time to arrange services for families.
Special Educational Needs
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is available to support schools that have children from Ukraine with additional or special educational needs.
Specific guidance has been issued to schools in relation to additional supports that will be available to those schools who have Ukrainian enrolments. This guidance also outlines the process and supports in place to ensure that Ukrainian children with special educational needs are able to access the most appropriate setting.
Schools where 10 or more Ukrainian pupils are enrolled will be eligible for additional SET resources (15 or more Ukrainian pupils for SNA resources) based on a sliding scale to a maximum of 25 teaching hours per week and a maximum of 3 SNAs on a temporary basis. To date, 181 special education teachers and 221 SNAs have been allocated to schools in relation to the additional Ukrainian enrolments. The exceptional review process remains available to schools in the normal manner through the NCSE to deal with any concerns regarding the supports available for children with SEN.
Resources in schools
The Inspectorate has developed and published a number of guidance and advice notes for primary and post-primary schools, including advice for schools on the placement of pupils and students in classes and year groups and a description of the Ukrainian education system. Information notes in both Ukrainian and Russian have also been published for parents/guardians and pupils/students on the language of instruction in Irish schools. My Department also established a dedicated helpline and email account for school principals.
A central repository of information and CPD resources for school leaders and teachers to support cultural and linguistic diversity is on the Scoilnet.ie website. These supports include EAL, intercultural and relevant curriculum supports developed by the teacher education supports services including PDST, the NCCA and the ETB sector.
Resources have been published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to support learners with English as an additional language (EAL) across early childhood, primary and post-primary settings;
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has developed bespoke psycho-educational advice and support, with guidance, webinars and other resources, and NEPS psychologists are actively engaging with school principals to provide advice and support.
The spend by my Department in 2022 on Ukraine related support totals some €75 million. An allocation of €45 million is also provided in the initial 2023 allocations to my Department’s Vote with additional funding available as necessary and appropriate from a central contingency reserve in place to further support the Ukraine crisis.
441. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the number of discrimination cases taken and won against her Department over the past ten years, under each of the grounds as applicable, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8896/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are currently working to collate the information requested and will send it to the Deputy directly.
442. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans for a review of the legal requirements for mothers registering the birth of her child with a new partner, where the mother is still married to a previous partner due to delays in divorce proceedings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8524/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirements for birth registration are set out in Part 3 of the Civil Registration Act 2004, and are underpinned by Section 46 of the Status of Children Act 1987 which sets out that the husband of a marriage is presumed to be the father of the child where the mother is or was married at any time during the 10 months immediately preceding the birth.
For those mothers who have not obtained a divorce or deed of separation and who wish to register a man other than their husband as father of their child, they are required to submit a statutory declaration from their husband that he is not the father of the child. Alternatively, the mother or father may submit a court order made in proceedings referred to in Section 45 of the Status of Children Act 1987 which names the father of the child to be used as evidence of paternity.
Section 6 of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 extended the method of rebuttal of the presumption of the husband's paternity for those mothers who have not divorced or separated from their husband. This Section is yet to be commenced, but provides that a married mother may submit a declaration that she has been living apart from their husband for at least 10 months prior to a birth along with such evidence which the registrar considers sufficient for the purposes of rebutting the husband's paternity. This Section is due to be commenced later in 2023 together with other legislative changes and enhancements in respect of civil registration.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
443. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if Covid-19 will be recognised as an occupational disease in Ireland, as per the EU ACSH Agreement in November 2022; if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8789/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a suite of income supports to those who cannot work due to illness or disability. It is important to note that eligibility for these payments is generally not dependent on the type of the illness or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
Occupational Injuries Benefit is an income support provided by my Department to those who got injured at work or travelling to and from work, or who contracted a prescribed disease at work.
Covid-19 does not constitute a prescribed disease or illness as set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 as it does not meet the criteria laid down in the Act. Section 87 (2) of the Act states that a disease or injury shall be prescribed for the purposes of this section in relation to any insured persons, where the Minister is satisfied that—
(a) it ought to be treated, having regard to its causes and any other relevant considerations, as a risk of their occupations and not as a risk common to all persons, and
(b) it is such that, in the absence of special circumstances, the attribution of particular cases to the nature of the employment can be established or presumed with reasonable certainty.
The decision on whether to recognise an illness as an occupational illness is a Member State competence. My Department is aware of the recommendation of the European Commission and is consulting with other relevant departments on the matter.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
444. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal for a carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8076/23]
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 25 January 2023. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14 February 2023 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
445. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of an appeal for a domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8080/23]
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 6 December 2022. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 17 January 2023. The appeal was referred to an Appeals Officer on 27 January 2023, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
446. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of women currently receiving State pension (contributory) but whose years out of the workforce as a homemaker prior to 1994 are not disregarded when working out the yearly average contributions for the pension. [8088/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government acknowledges the important role that carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Subject to the standard qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) also being satisfied, the State pension system provides significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role.
This is provided through the award of credits and/or the application of the Homemaker’s Scheme (under the Yearly Average method for payment calculation) and/or the application of HomeCaring Periods (under the Total Contributions Approach).
Details of these are –
- PRSI Credits are awarded to recipients of Carer’s Allowance (and Carer’s Benefit) where they have an underlying entitlement to credits. Credits are also awarded to workers who take unpaid Carer’s Leave from work.
- The Homemaker’s Scheme which was introduced with effect from 1994, is designed to help homemakers and carers qualify for State Pension (Contributory). The Scheme, which allows periods caring for children or people with a caring need to be disregarded (from 1994), can have the effect of increasing a person's 'Yearly Average'.
- HomeCaring Periods may be awarded for each week not already covered by a paid or credited social insurance contribution (regardless of when they occurred) up to a maximum of 20 years. This applies to periods both before and after 1994.
HomeCaring Periods are used under the 'Total Contributions Approach' of pension calculation and not the 'yearly average' pensions calculation. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is not available. If the Deputy has a particular case, it can be brought to the attention of my department who will provide further clarification.
It should be noted that, if a person does not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) or qualifies for a reduced rate, he or she may qualify for the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory), the maximum rate of which is 95% of the rate of the State Pension (Contributory). Alternatively, an Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) is paid, generally, where a pensioner has an adult dependent who does not have enough contributions to claim a maximum rate State Pension (Contributory) in his or her own right. The payment rate for the IQA is up to 90% of the full rate State Pension (contributory). The most advantageous payment for a pensioner will depend upon their individual circumstances.
Despite the existing measures within the State Pension system that recognise periods spent caring, long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension.
I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system in September 2022. One of the reforms agreed by Government is enhanced State Pension provision for long-term carers of incapacitated dependents (who have been caring in excess of 20 years), as recommended by the Pensions Commission, and to be introduced from January 2024. My officials are currently working to implement the reforms, including the drafting of legislation and development of administrative and IT systems as necessary.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
447. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated number of affected persons who, due to their years as a homemaker prior to 1994, have not qualified for a State pension (contributory). [8089/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder current eligibility conditions, an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment.
In January 2018, the Government agreed a new “Total Contributions Approach” (TCA) for State pension (contributory) which can include up to 20 years of Home Caring periods. Unlike the Homemakers scheme, this applies to periods both before and after 1994. This can benefit many people, particularly women, whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, while raising families or in a caring role. The TCA ensures that the totality of a person’s social insurance contributions - as opposed to the timing of them - determines a final pension outcome, and it also acknowledges the contribution made by home carers in the period before 1994.
My department does not currently hold a breakdown of all applications awarded or disallowed by contribution/credit type. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy in not available. However, if the Deputy has a particular case, she can bring it to the attention of my department who will provide further clarification.
Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a state pension (contributory), or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one the following -
- The State Pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment. The maximum rate is equivalent to 95% of the full rate State Pension (contributory); or
- An increase for a qualified adult, equivalent to 90% of the full rate State Pension (contributory) where their spouse is in receipt of this pension; or
- Where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which can be based on either their spouses or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer contributions paid (260) than the State pension (contributory), and the maximum personal rate for those aged 66 is the same rate as the state pension (contributory), with allowances (notably the Living Alone Allowance) payable where applicable.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
448. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection her proposals to remedy the discrimination suffered by homemakers whose time out of the workforce prior to 1994 is not taken into account, and who have not qualified for a State pension (contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8090/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current State Pension (Contributory) system gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period outside the paid workforce, often to raise families or to provide another full-time caring role.
Applicants for the State Pension (Contributory) have their entitlement assessed under two separate criteria, receiving a payment based on which method is most beneficial to the person. The Yearly Average (YA) method has been in place since the introduction of the contributory pension in 1961. The YA method uses all paid and credited contributions divided by time spent in the social insurance system to give an average of Social Insurance contributions per year with payments made on a banded basis.
Under the Yearly Average method, applicants can apply under the Homemaker's Scheme for those years since 1994 spent caring for children under 12 or other dependent relatives to be disregarded in the calculation. Up to 20 years disregard can be applied. This means the pension average does not disadvantage an applicant for the time spent caring.
In January 2018, an interim Total Contributions Approach was introduced which removed the time spent in the Social Insurance system as a factor and simply added paid and credited contributions together. Homecaring periods can be claimed for providing full time care to children under 12 or people aged over 12 who require an increased level of full-time care. Up to 20 years of Homecaring Periods can be claimed. This reform fundamentally changed the entitlement of many who spent time out of the workforce caring for others. It, for the first time, acknowledged home caring periods prior to 1994. The Interim Total Contributions Approach arrangement results in a fairer and a more transparent system, as the person’s lifetime contribution is reflected in the State Pension (Contributory) payment received.
Where a person reaches State Pension age and does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a SPC or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, he/she may qualify for the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% of the rate of the State Pension (Contributory). Alternatively, an Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) is paid, generally, where a pensioner has an adult dependent who does not have enough contributions to claim a maximum rate State Pension (Contributory) in his or her own right. The payment rate for the IQA is up to 90% of a full contributory pension. The most advantageous payment for a pensioner will depend upon their individual circumstances.
Last September, I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system. The measures are in response to the Pensions Commission’s recommendations and represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system. One of the reforms agreed by Government is a phased 10-year full transition to the Total Contributions Approach and the abolition of the Yearly Average approach to commence from January 2024.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
449. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a companion pass will issue to a person (details supplied) who attends regularly and requires a person to accompany him; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8095/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application form for Under 70 Companion Free Travel has issued to the person concerned.
On receipt of the completed application, their entitlement will be examined. The person will be notified, in writing, of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
450. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the eligibility for household benefits in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8096/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application form for the Household Benefits Package has issued to the person concerned. On receipt of a completed application form, their entitlement will be examined.
Alternatively, the person can easily and quickly apply for the Household Benefits Package online using the MyWelfare.ie application service if they have, or set up, a verified MyGovID account.
The person will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
451. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the eligibility for the fuel allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8098/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application form for Fuel Allowance has issued to the person concerned. On receipt of a completed application form, their entitlement will be examined.
Alternatively, the person can easily and quickly apply for the payment online using the MyWelfare.ie application service if they have, or set up, a verified MyGovID account.
The person will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
452. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8101/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) is to assist people with essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
The ENP scheme is demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
Applications for ENPs are made under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service.
According to the records of my Department, an application for financial assistance has not been received from the person concerned. For the convenience of the person, an ENP application pack was posted to her home address. When a completed form and all relevant supporting documentation has been received, the person’s application will be assessed, and she will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
453. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the of appeal in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8105/23]
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 there is currently no open appeal for the person concerned held by that Office.
In order to make an appeal the person concerned must write to the Social Welfare Appeals Office stating their name, address and PPS number www.gov.ie/en/service/12e6de-get-a-personal-public-service-pps-number/ and enclose:
- a copy of the decision they are appealing,
- a statement of the reasons why they are unhappy with the department's decision,
- any relevant evidence that they think may support their appeal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
454. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a fuel allowance application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8106/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned has been awarded Fuel Allowance from 6th January 2023. Their first payment, including arrears backdated to 6th January, will be available for collection in their nominated post office on Friday, 24th February. They were notified in writing of this decision on 16 February 2023.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
455. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct entitlement to social welfare payment in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8108/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseeker's Allowance (JA) is a means-tested payment made to people who are unemployed and who do not qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit or Jobseeker’s Benefit for the Self-Employed. Amongst other qualifying criteria, a person must be available for full-time work.
The person’s JA claim was selected for a review as part of the Department’s control processes. This is standard practice, and my Department routinely carries out reviews of customer claims across all schemes.
The person was initially interviewed by a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) on 15/11/2022 and documentation was requested to support her claim. As the documentation was not provided within the specified timeframe, the person was disqualified by the Deciding Officer (DO) from receiving JA with effect from 28/12/2022. This decision was made on the basis the person had not shown that her means were less than the weekly rate of JA appropriate to her family circumstances.
The person subsequently provided some of the requested documentation to my Department in January 2023. Following a second interview with a SWI on 10/02/2023, the person was asked to provide the outstanding documentation together with other documentation identified during the course of the meeting.
The person has been given 7 working days to provide the documentation, in keeping with the Department’s standard practice. When the necessary documentation has been received, the review of the person’s JA claim can progress. Once all relevant information has been reviewed, the DO will advise the person of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the correct level of rent supplement payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8111/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent Supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Amongst other qualifying criteria, a Rent Supplement applicant must have been living in private rented housing for a period of 183 days within the previous 12 months of the date of their application. Further information on the qualifying criteria for this payment can be found at www.gov.ie.
Persons with a long-term housing need should contact their local authority where information is available regarding suitable housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
The person concerned has not recently made an application for Rent Supplement support. If, however he feels he currently meets the necessary qualifying criteria, he can apply for a Rent Supplement by completing a SWA RS1 form. For the person’s convenience, an application form together with a request for all supporting documentation has issued to him by post. When the necessary documentation has been returned to my Department, the person’s entitlement will be assessed, and he will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
