Written Answers Nos. 477-497
477. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on her Department’s consideration and engagement with other relevant Departments, regarding the recognition of Covid-19 as an occupational illness in certain sectors and during a pandemic, as per the updated recommendation of the EU Commission in November 2022. [8507/23]
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.
478. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who was unable to work and was in receipt of illness benefit for over thirty years and was not advised to apply for a disability allowance or invalidity pension following numerous medical reviews over the years, and is now only in receipt of a reduced State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8537/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA change in the rules and regulations governing the Illness Benefit scheme in 2009 included the introduction of a limit on the period for which Illness Benefit can be paid. Subject to the level of relevant PRSI contributions paid, Illness Benefit is now only payable for a maximum period of 2 years. Where a person exhausts their entitlement to a payment of Illness Benefit and is expected to remain unfit to attend work for a further period of at least 12 months, they have the option of making an application for Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance.
At the time of the change mentioned above, those who had been in receipt of Illness Benefit on a long-term basis were, as an exceptional measure, afforded the option, subject to continued appropriate certification, to remain on Illness Benefit on a continuous duration basis or to make an application for Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance.
Some people, including the person identified by the Deputy, opted to remain on Illness Benefit rather than applying for the potentially long-term payments of Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance.
The application made by this person for the contributory State Pension was unsuccessful as they did not satisfy the PRSI contributions for that scheme. They were subsequently awarded a non-contributory State Pension which is subject to a means test. Having taken account of the financial circumstances in this case the person was awarded a payment at a reduced rate.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
479. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the up-to-date position in relation to negotiations regarding employees (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8542/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide long term unemployed people with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities,
I am very aware of the important role that CE supervisors, assistant supervisors and participants play in providing valuable and local based community services across the country.
As the Deputy will be aware, CE supervisors, assistant supervisors and participants are employees of the individual CE schemes, which are funded by the Department. Neither the Department, or the state, is the employer of these groups of workers.
The Department of Social Protection, in its role as funder of CE schemes is in ongoing contact with CE supervisors' representatives including union representatives, on a range of issues of common concern.
In relation to the specific issue on pay, the Department received correspondence last year from Fórsa and SIPTU seeking a pay increase for CE supervisors and assistant supervisors. Fórsa and SIPTU, along with ICTU, subsequently referred this pay claim to the conciliation service of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The WRC issued an invite to the Department to take part in a conciliation process. Following Government approval, the Department responded to the WRC indicating a willingness to engage with a WRC conciliation process, in its role as funder of these schemes.
This conciliation process is now underway - with the first meeting in the WRC held on Thursday 2nd February. Department officials attended and engaged with ICTU, Fórsa and SIPTU representatives to progress this issue. As the Deputy will appreciate, while this process is underway, I am not in a position to comment further, other than to say - I am hopeful that an agreed and fair resolution can be reached through this conciliation process.
It should be noted that any increase in CE supervisor pay rates that would increase the overall cost to the state of funding employment schemes, must take into consideration the potential cost to the exchequer and ultimately the taxpayer. Therefore the Department will also continue to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform during the WRC process. If there are budgetary implications arising from the WRC process - these will need Government approval.
As the Deputy may be aware, pay rates for CE participants are a separate matter. Their rate of payment is related to the underlying value of certain social protection payments plus €27.50 per week. As part Budget 2023, participants on CE schemes received an increase of €17 per week; increasing the minimum payment from €230.50 to €247.50 per week from January 2023.
In addition, weekly payments for qualified child dependents increased by €2 to €50 for children aged 12 or over and to €40 for children aged up to 12.
A number of once off bonus payments were also announced in Budget 2023, which have benefited eligible CE participants, including a once off payment of €400 for those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance. These are in addition to the Autumn Cost of Living double week payment, the double payment of Child Benefit in November and the Christmas double payment in December 2022.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
480. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the up-to-date position in relation to payments to a group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8543/23]
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 resolved the long-standing issue through the payment of a once off ex-gratia payment to eligible CE supervisors and assistant supervisors.
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.
In total, 664 applications have been received to date. 619 claims have been awarded with a total of almost €5.5 million paid to date.
Processing and payment of claims for people who retire during 2023 will continue as they retire and submit their claims.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
481. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8562/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions
I confirm that my department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 18 January 2023.
The processing time for individual DA claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person’s circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim.
An information request letter was sent to the person concerned on 26 January 2023 to supply supporting documentation to determine her eligibility for DA. The requested information was received on 03 February 2023.
A further information request letter was sent to the person concerned on 15 February 2023 to supply additional supporting documentation and allowed 21 days for the return of the information.
On receipt of this information a decision will be made, and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
482. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of carer’s allowance claims appealed; the number of appeals that were successful in each of the years 2015 to 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8653/23]
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 time taken to process an appeal reflects a number of factors including that the appeals process is a quasi-judicial process with Appeals Officers being required to decide all appeals on a ‘de-novo’ basis. In addition, appeals decisions are themselves subject to review by the High Court and decisions have to be formally written up to quasi-judicial standards.
Improvements in appeals processing times is a priority for the Chief Appeals Officer. The desire to process appeals quickly has to be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent and of high quality and made in accordance with the legislative provisions and the general principles of fair procedures and natural justice.
Currently there are 41 Appeals Officers serving in the Social Welfare Appeals Office. This staffing cadre is kept under review.
The following table provides the number of Carer's Allowance appeals received as well as the outcome of these appeals, from 2015 to 2022.
Carer’s Allowance Appeals 2015-2022
|
Year |
Total Appeal Receipts |
Total Appeals Determined |
Revised Deciding Officers Decisions |
Appeals Allowed by Appeals Officers |
Appeals Partly Allowed by Appeals Officers |
Appeals Disallowed by Appeals Officers |
Withdrawn |
|
2015 |
3,188 |
3,491 |
579 |
1,352 |
155 |
1,355 |
50 |
|
2016 |
3,887 |
3,624 |
815 |
1,375 |
145 |
1,237 |
52 |
|
2017 |
3,200 |
3,416 |
780 |
1,204 |
161 |
1,199 |
72 |
|
2018 |
2,902 |
2,710 |
440 |
1,047 |
144 |
989 |
90 |
|
2019 |
3,006 |
3,539 |
603 |
1,230 |
158 |
1,468 |
80 |
|
2020 |
3,630 |
3,828 |
614 |
1,079 |
115 |
1,981 |
39 |
|
2021 |
3,361 |
3,267 |
519 |
886 |
95 |
1,743 |
24 |
|
2022 |
3,521 |
3,388 |
520 |
804 |
67 |
1,953 |
44 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
483. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount expended on advertising and promotion in her Department and all agencies under the remit of her Department in 2022 and in January 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8693/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the purpose of this response, I have interpreted advertising and promotion spend as advertising costs incurred as a result of public information campaigns, vacancy notices and other announcements.
My Department administers over 90 separate schemes and services, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State. The Department is committed to ensuring that members of the public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services that are available, as well as ensuring key changes are communicated to them.
Public information/advertising campaigns are therefore an important part of the Department's work and span national and regional print media and radio, digital and social media.
All campaigns are developed and targeted carefully in collaboration with our media buyer, using the best mix of media formats to ensure that the Department's messages reach members of the public effectively, while ensuring value for money.
Details of expenditure for advertising and promotion in 2022 and January 2023 for both my Department and bodies under the aegis of my Department are outlined in the following tables.
Please note that these figures include VAT, ASAI, and agency fees.
|
Department of Social Protection (DSP) |
Total |
|
Campaign Advertising Costs 2022 |
€1,346,545.65 |
|
Recruitment Advertising Costs 2022 |
€5,755.20 |
|
Total Spend 2022 |
€1,352,300.85 |
|
Department of Social Protection (DSP) |
Total |
|
Campaign Advertising Costs January 2023 |
€13,464.73 |
|
Pensions Council |
Total |
|
Total Advertising Costs 2022 |
Nil |
|
Total Advertising Costs January 2023 |
Nil |
|
Pensions Authority |
Total |
|
Total Advertising Costs 2022 |
€144,349 |
|
Total Advertising Costs January 2023 |
€2,094 |
|
Citizens Information Board |
Total |
|
Total Advertising Costs 2022 |
€311,229 |
|
Total Advertising Costs January 2023 |
Nil |
484. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of communications staff currently employed in her Department; the cost of these staff for 2022; the expected cost for 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8711/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are elements of communications to most roles in my Department, given the millions of individual interactions every year between the staff of the Department and the people they serve.
The Unit whose function relates to supporting corporate communications in my Department is the Communications and Press Office. This includes several cross functional teams which are responsible for a broad range of responsibilities including internal and external communications, the press office and the Department's website on www.gov.ie. The focus of this unit is about ensuring that people are aware of the broad range of entitlements and allowances across the social welfare system.
There are currently 19.8 FTE working in this unit.
The composition of staff in the unit is outlined in the following table. It includes a breakdown of the staff numbers serving in this unit in 2022 and the current numbers serving, as well as their grades.
|
Grade |
Staff Serving in 2022 |
Staff Serving as of 15 February 2023 |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
2 |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
2 |
2 |
|
Executive Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
4 (3.8 FTE) |
4 (3.8 FTE) |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
7 |
7 |
|
Clerical Officer |
3 |
3 |
|
Total |
21 (20.8 FTE) |
20 (19.8 FTE) |
485. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of exceptional needs payments paid out over the past three years, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8724/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.
The schemes are demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
The reporting of the schemes was revised in 2022 to extract more complete information. Statistics are available on the number of Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments made in 2020-2021, but not on the number of supplements awarded.
Table 1, as follows, provides a breakdown of the number of Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments claims awarded in 2020 and 2021 and the number of Additional Needs Payments awarded in 2022, by county.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a national community welfare contact centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
Table 1 - The number of Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments claims awarded in 2020 and 2021 and the number of Additional Needs Payments awarded in 2022, by county.
|
COUNTY |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
CARLOW |
754 |
682 |
1,282 |
|
CAVAN |
589 |
565 |
1,526 |
|
CLARE |
1,777 |
1,271 |
3,686 |
|
CORK |
5,385 |
4,164 |
7,840 |
|
DONEGAL |
1,356 |
1,397 |
5,164 |
|
DUBLIN |
22,525 |
19,058 |
25,171 |
|
GALWAY |
1,825 |
1,477 |
3,685 |
|
KERRY |
1,970 |
1,497 |
5,219 |
|
KILDARE |
2,931 |
2,365 |
2,491 |
|
KILKENNY |
1,055 |
952 |
1,969 |
|
LAOIS |
2,169 |
1,585 |
1,854 |
|
LEITRIM |
850 |
710 |
1,498 |
|
LIMERICK |
2,530 |
2,197 |
3,639 |
|
LONGFORD |
1,227 |
1,080 |
2,316 |
|
LOUTH |
1,457 |
1,454 |
2,409 |
|
MAYO |
1,722 |
1,044 |
2,924 |
|
MEATH |
2,350 |
2,327 |
4,346 |
|
MONAGHAN |
993 |
558 |
802 |
|
OFFALY |
1,026 |
852 |
2,358 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
874 |
837 |
1,173 |
|
SLIGO |
924 |
1,083 |
1,758 |
|
TIPPERARY |
2,958 |
2,465 |
3,411 |
|
WATERFORD |
2,201 |
1,337 |
2,333 |
|
WESTMEATH |
2,185 |
1,701 |
3,144 |
|
WEXFORD |
882 |
761 |
2,386 |
|
WICKLOW |
3,074 |
2,133 |
2,817 |
|
UNKNOWN |
23 |
||
|
TOTAL |
67,589 |
55,552 |
97,224 |
486. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of a review regarding an entitlement to carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8782/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
I confirm that the Department received an application for Carer's Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 1 November 2022. Additional information in relation to the person’s application was requested by a Deciding Officer (DO) on 2 February 2023.
I can confirm that we received correspondence from the person concerned on the 9 February 2023. However, all of the requested information was not included. A further request for information issued by the DO on 16 February 2023.
Once the information is received, the review will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
487. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will increase the State pension by at least €11 as called for by an organisation (details supplied); if she will review all social protection payments to ensure that no one on social welfare is forced to live in poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8783/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra492. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to raise the maximum weekly rate of the State pension by €11 to keep up with inflation, as advocated for by an organisation (details supplied); the estimated cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8858/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 492 together.
On Budget Day last September, I announced the largest Social Protection package in the history of the state. A package that has seen the Government spend more than €2.1 billion on Social Protection measures, including over €880 million in order to provide for a €12 increase to the weekly rate of social welfare payments that came into effect from January 2023. This supports both pensioners and those of working age and includes a proportionate increase for qualified adults.
The rate increase is accompanied by a wide range of additional measures in 2023, including a significant increase in Working Family Payment thresholds which targets working families for critical support. This was on top of a range of 8 lump sum payments paid through Quarter 4 2022 to benefit a range of customers including pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, those living alone, and families with children. An Autumn and Christmas bonus were paid, the latter of which was, for the first time, paid to long term illness benefit recipients.
Taken together, for many household types, the combination effectively matches, or exceeds, inflation.
The ESRI post-Budget analysis shows that Budget 2023 general increases, when combined with one-off measures delivered in 2022 to support households with the cost of living, will be effective in protecting most households from rising prices.
The Department provides a range of schemes to those over State Pension Age - this includes State Pension, (Contributory), State Pension (Non-Contributory) and Widows (Contributory) Pension along with a number of smaller schemes. It is estimated that the full year cost to increase these schemes by €11 is €410 million. This includes increases to personal rate and also includes a proportionate increase for the qualified adults.
This costing is based on the estimated number of recipients in 2023 and is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients.
I am satisfied that the total social welfare budget package for 2023 has been designed to protect the most vulnerable in society. But we are aware that the cost of living continues to present challenges for people throughout the state who are feeling the effects of persistently high prices.
That is why Government has announced additional support for people over the coming months, including :
- A €200 lump sum payment to be provided to people on long-term Social Protection payments, on the same basis as the Christmas bonus, and including Working Family Payment recipients.
- For people receiving Child Benefit, a €100 lump sum payment for each child to be paid in June.
- An additional payment of €100 to be paid for each child for whom Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is paid.
Together, these supports will provide over €410 million in additional supports to households and families in need.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.
488. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 385 of 14 February 2023, if she will calculate the rate of payment due to a person (details supplied) should the calculation be on the basis of contributions from 1989 rather than the basis of the year they commenced making contributions as an employee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8821/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder social welfare legislation, the date of entry into insurance is the date a person becomes an insured person and enters employment for which a social insurance contribution is payable, once they are 16 years of age. This contribution can be paid at the full, modified or self-employed social insurance rate.
PRSI for self-employed was introduced from 6 April 1988. Under social welfare legislation, if an applicant became a self-employed contributor on 6 April 1988, and at any time prior to that date was an employed contributor, the date on which the applicant first entered insurance or the 6 April 1988, whichever is the more favourable to them, shall be regarded as the date of entry into insurance.
Where a self employed contributor did not become a self-employed contributor on 6 April 1988, their date of entry into insurance is the date on which they first paid any social insurance. The person concerned became a self-employed contributor in 1989, therefore the date of entry is taken as the first date they entered insurable employment which in this case is 1980.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
491. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a disability allowance rate review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8848/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
My Department received correspondence from the person concerned on 18 January 2023, notifying a change of circumstances regarding her DA.
I can confirm that following a review, it was found that the person concerned had an increase in her means from her previous assessment and was assessed with weekly means of €59.00. Based on the information provided to my department, a reduced rate of DA was awarded with effect from 1 March 2023.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 16 February 2023.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
493. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 262 of 8 February 2023, if a person (details supplied) on disability allowance can retain their fuel allowance and living alone allowance, if they avail of rent-a-room relief; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8859/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
Income from Rent-a-Room relief is not assessable as means for Disability Allowance. A Disability Allowance recipient who satisfies the ‘rent-a-room’ criteria will retain the Living Alone Allowance.
In order to qualify for the Free Fuel Allowance (FFA), the household composition criteria must be met. Therefore the status of the tenant will have an impact on the eligibility for the FFA.
I can confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of DA effective from 05 August 2009 and currently assessed with nil means. The person in question was in receipt of Living Alone Allowance (LAA) and Fuel Allowance (FF) payment up to 23 August 2022.
The DA claim of the person concerned is currently under review. LAA and FF payments have been suspended from 24 August 2022 pending a review of the person's means and household composition.
The claim was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) on 25 August 2022 for a report on the person’s means and circumstances. Once the SWI has finalised and submitted their report, a decision will be made on the review as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
494. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection 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. [8874/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department places the highest priority on ensuring that those arriving in Ireland having fled the terrible war in Ukraine are given the supports and services they need.
My Department plays a key role in the Citywest Reception Centre. Officials from my Department together with officials from the Department of Justice and Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth officials are available to meet people immediately on arrival from Ukraine and provide them with information and assistance in accessing supports.
In accordance with the Temporary Protection Directive implemented in March 2022, people fleeing the war in Ukraine have been granted the status to avail of supports and services from my Department. This means that they can work in Ireland and access the full range of social welfare supports if eligible, including jobseeker's payments, pensions, child benefit, and rent supplement.
The role of the Department of Social Protection is threefold: to help people to apply for Personal Public Service Numbers which are a key requirement in accessing public services; to assist with the provision of income support; and to provide information and support on employment and training options.
The priority for my Department is the allocation of PPS numbers and the provision of income supports. A fast-track approach to processing these supports has been put in place which includes quick processing of PPS numbers to allow access to public services and a simplified income support decision-making process. PPS number allocation and Income Support is also available through Intreo Centres and Branch Offices across the country.
As at 20th February 75,492 PPS numbers have been allocated to people who have arrived here, fleeing war, from Ukraine. 35,563 people are in receipt of an income support payment from the Department. The appropriate scheme and rate of payment for each person depends on their individual circumstances. Child Benefit is being paid to 13,192 families in respect of 18,398 children.
Total expenditure on social welfare supports to people under the Temporary Protection Directive is just over €292 million to 12 February 2023. Over €240 million was paid in 2022 with the remaining €52 million being paid in 2023 to 12 February 2023.
Employment support services are also available to those who have arrived in Ireland. As of 17th February 2023, employment services staff have engaged with 21,725 people covered by the Temporary Protection Directive.
A dedicated section, available in Ukrainian and Russian on www.jobsireland.ie has been developed to provide information on employment opportunities for newly arrived Ukrainians. Employers are advised to register on JobsIreland.ie to advertise Job vacancies and this enables Intreo Employment Services staff to match the skills of those seeking employment with available work opportunities.
Supporting people who are providing accommodation to people who have fled the war is also a priority for my Department. To this end my Department is administering the Accommodation Recognition Payment on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The payment is a recognition of the generosity of people who have made accommodation available to victims of a humanitarian crisis.
The scheme opened for applications on Tuesday 26th July 2022. As of 19th February 6,396 applications have been received and processed. The rate of payment increased from €400 per calendar month to €800 per calendar month with effect from 1st December 2022. 4,947 claims are currently in payment in respect of accommodation being provided for some 10,308 people.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
495. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection 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. [8899/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFrom 1st February 2012 to date, there were 30 cases under the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2021 or Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2018 where my Department was the respondent. Of these, there were three cases where the Equality Officer/Adjudication Officer of the Workplace Relations Commission (or previously the Equality Tribunal) found against the Department.
|
Discriminatory ground under Employment Equality Acts |
Found in favour of respondent (Department) |
Found in favour of complainant |
|
Disability |
3 |
0 |
|
Age |
2 |
0 |
|
Family Status |
2 |
0 |
|
Gender |
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
8 |
0 |
|
Discriminatory ground under Equal Status Acts |
Found in favour of respondent (Department) |
Found in favour of complainant |
|
Race |
4 |
1 |
|
Age |
1 |
1 |
|
Membership of the Travelling Community |
4 |
0 |
|
Religion |
1 |
0 |
|
Disability |
2 |
0 |
|
Family status |
1 |
1 |
|
Sexual Orientation |
1 |
0 |
|
Gender |
3 |
0 |
|
Combined grounds of Age and Disability |
1 |
0 |
|
Combined grounds of Disability and Race |
1 |
0 |
|
Total |
19 |
3 |
496. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to detail any work that is ongoing in his Department in relation to non-disclosure agreement reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8367/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently carrying out a Review of the Equality Acts (Equal Status Acts 2000-2018 and the Employment Equality Acts 1999-2015.
The Review is also examining the use of non-disclosure agreements by employers in cases of sexual harassment and discrimination, in line with the issues raised in the Employment Equality (Amendment) (Non-Disclosure Agreement) Bill 2021 Private Member's Bill).
It is intended that some legislative proposals arising from the review of the Equality Acts will be brought forward before the end of the year. However the nature of these proposals is dependent on further research and consultation. In the coming weeks I intend to publish a summary report of the submissions to the public consultation which was carried out as part of the Review.
497. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline the reported issues previously highlighted in Middletown House, Castletown Geoghegan, County Westmeath when an expression of interest for accommodation for Ukrainian families was made; if these issues have been resolved; if a contract has been entered into by his Department in relation to this building; and his Department’s future intentions are regarding its use for those seeking international protection. [8140/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, as of 12 February 23, there are 19,818 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole, compared with 8,500 at this time last year. Of this total, 4,137 are children.Since the beginning of 2022, Ireland and many other European countries are experiencing a significant increase of new arrivals seeking international protection (IP). Last year, over 15,000 people arrived in Ireland seeking accommodation while their applications for international protection is processed by the International Protection Office. Over the period 2017-2019 an average of 3,500 people applied for protection each year.The State has a legal and moral obligation to assess the claims of those who seek refuge, and in that time to provide accommodation and supports.Intensive efforts are undertaken daily by staff in DCEDIY and the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) to source emergency accommodation. However, procuring enough bed space to keep pace with incoming arrivals remains extremely challenging, leading to very significant shortages. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used.Given the significantly increased numbers of arrivals in the context of accommodation shortages, the Department is considering all offers of accommodation to address the shortfall.The Department cannot comment on any specific plans for accommodation pending the agreement of rates, terms and contracts with providers as this is commercially sensitive information.
IPAS is responding to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property. A full assessment of the property is underway at present, and, if a contract is agreed, it is hoped that this property can be brought into use for the accommodation of international protection applicants (IPAs).
With all new properties the Department contracts to provide accommodation for IPAs, the provider is required to provide detailed information in relation to suitability for use including fire certification. Department are carefully appraised before contracts are issued and properties are also subject to inspections.
I trust this information clarifies the matter Deputy.
