Written Answers Nos. 161-180
161. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been brought to the increase in applications for a multi-denominational school (details supplied); the action she plans to take to secure additional places in multi-denominational schools in this area should school admission policies aim to allocate places to older pupils first who have not started school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9007/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
While my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in Killester Raheny and Clontarf , it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications: pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area;
- School of choice: pupils cannot get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area;
- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils; and
- External draw: pupils coming from outside the local area.
My Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues across school planning areas through ongoing discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities.
This close engagement will allow my Department to identify at an early stage particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.
162. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment uses the same child development model as the National Educational Psychological Service. [9012/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) advises the Minister for Education on curriculum and assessment for early childhood education, primary and post-primary schools.
This advice is generated in a highly collaborative manner and draws on extensive research and educational literature, and experiences of schools and early childhood settings. Information on the curriculum development processes and NCCA’s structures can be found on its website at www.ncca.ie.
The NCCA takes an evidence-informed approach with its research activity including, but not limited to, research in relation to specific aspects or areas of curriculum development; audits of curriculum provision in other jurisdictions; comparative studies locating Ireland in an international context; and consultations with teachers/practitioners, children/students, school leaders, parents, researchers and academics, wider stakeholders in the education system; and the general public. The research used to inform curriculum and assessment advice, as well as systemwide developments, also comes from longitudinal studies.
The NCCA draws on multiple theories of education in its curriculum and assessment work with these being articulated through curriculum components such as principles, statements of learning, key skills, and examples of teaching and learning to support enactment of the curriculum.
In the case of post-primary curriculum and assessment changes in recent years, including the Framework for Junior Cycle, and new Leaving Certificate subjects such as Politics and Society, Computer Science and Physical Education, extensive research, consultation data and deliberation and discussion shaped the developments. For example, the longitudinal study carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on behalf of the NCCA in the 2000s, provided significant insights into teaching, learning and assessment in the first three years of post-primary education and highlighted a number of challenges subsequently addressed in the Framework for Junior Cycle. In the case of the new Leaving Certificate subjects, each was shaped by a body of research captured in a Background Paper and Brief published for public consultation. Curriculum audits, research reports/papers, background papers and briefs, and consultation reports informing curriculum and assessment developments can be found on NCCA’s website - Publications and Research | NCCA.
The NCCA’s work on curriculum and assessment places a strong focus on the principle of ‘inclusion and diversity’ which can be seen in changes in post-primary education in the last decade. Guided by a mosaic of educational theories, this importance placed on inclusive curricula and assessment arrangements can be seen in the use of broad learning outcomes in curriculum specifications, the introduction of Classroom-Based Assessments which enable students to demonstrate their learning in a multitude of ways, and the policy decision to move to common level specifications in subjects other than English, Mathematics and Irish. NCCA’s development of Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes for junior cycle students has played a key role in ensuring appropriate curriculum and assessment provision for all young people at this stage of their education. Work underway on the redevelopment of senior cycle will now build on this in support of the Minister’s vision for ‘Equity and Excellence for All’.
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools. NEPS mission is to support the personal, social and educational development of all children through the application of psychological theory and practice in education, having particular regard for children with special educational needs.
In line with best international practice, NEPS provides a consultative model of service, with a focus on empowering school staff to support pupils across a range of needs.
NEPS delivers a comprehensive and integrated school psychological service to improve outcomes for all children and young people using a tiered service delivery framework. This model incorporates best practices in the application of psychology in education. Psychologists work to effect change at individual, group and system levels within schools. This framework supports schools in:
- The implementation of evidence based practices to promote positive academic and social–emotional outcomes for all
- The planning of targeted interventions and programmes for at-risk groups
- The provision of more intensive and individualised supports for those with complex needs and difficulties
The NEPS Model of Service includes a balance between casework (including direct casework with individual pupils, and indirect casework with their teachers/parents), and work of a more preventative or developmental nature, which is referred to as Support and Development work, and includes general consultation for teachers. In line with the NEPS model of service, NEPS has developed guidelines for schools on the provision of a continuum of support which identifies three levels of support: Whole School and Classroom Support for All, School Support for Some and School Support Plus for a Few. NEPS psychologists, therefore, offer a range of services which are responsive to type and level of need in schools to support the delivery of an effective continuum of support for children and young people in schools.
A Special Education Teacher (SET) Allocation Model was introduced by the Department of Education in 2017. The new model differs significantly from the old Resource Allocation Model, in that Special Education Teacher allocation is now frontloaded into schools to support children with special educational/additional needs. This model differs from the previous system whereby students were allocated a prescribed number of resource teaching hours on the basis of a named disability. The new model gives schools the capacity to respond to individual needs in a flexible way and pupils do not have to have a psychological assessment, or a diagnosis of a disability, in order to access Special Education Teaching. This means that those with the highest level of need can access the highest level of support within the school in a timely manner.
163. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if she will explain the rationale behind the removal of foundation level maths from the junior certificate cycle. [9013/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2015, the Minister for Education and Skills published the Framework for Junior Cycle 2015. Implementation of the new Junior Cycle was done on a phased basis, and commenced in September 2014, with the introduction of English for first year students. By 2019, all subject specifications had been introduced, with all subjects in the 2022 examinations being assessed under the new specifications.
For the level 3 programme, the level taken by the majority of Junior Cycle students, engagement with course specifications is at a common level in most instances. This has the advantage of ensuring that students are not directed into a particular level of learning at too early a stage in their academic and personal development. This approach enables students to have the experience and aspiration to achieve to their highest possible level so that they have greater options available to them at Senior Cycle, including studying at higher level in the Leaving Certificate examination.
Mathematics, along with Irish and English, are exemptions to this. As a central part of the Junior Cycle programme for all students, these subjects are offered at two levels, higher and ordinary. This is reflected in the externally assessed state-certified examination. This approach is consistent with aims and targets concerning Literacy and Numeracy. Classroom-Based Assessments in second year and in third year are set at a common level.
While the Framework for Junior Cycle is in the relatively early stages of its introduction the reception and impact of the new courses being studied, and their assessment, is subject to review and evaluation. An ‘early insights’ study is conducted on each newly-introduced subject specification after the first two cohorts of students have completed the course. The Junior Cycle Mathematics specification was introduced in phase four of the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle in September 2018. Carrying out an 'early insights' study has been delayed by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning in Irish schools. The new Junior Cycle Mathematics specification was only examined for the first time in 2022 and it is anticipated that an early insights report will be initiated in the fourth quarter of this year.
Further to this internal NCCA research, a team of independent researchers from the School of Education at the University of Limerick was commissioned by NCCA to explore the implementation and impact of the Framework for Junior Cycle, 2015. It is a mixed methods, multi-dimensional longitudinal research study, exploring the experiences of schools over a period of 4 years and the first report of this study was published by the NCCA in October last year. Findings from this research will inform NCCA’s ongoing work with the Board for Junior Cycle and Council to support schools’ implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle.
164. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if he will explain the rationale behind plans for leaving certificate candidates to sit paper 1 in English and Irish in fifth year. [9014/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that in March 2022, 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 reforms I announced last March include initiatives to spread the assessment load for students and do so in a way that enhances student wellbeing.
Bearing in mind the significant assessment load at the end of sixth year, as an interim measure I asked the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to alter the timing of Paper One in both Irish and English so that Paper One would take place at the end of fifth year.
In making this announcement, I was responding to a broad consensus for spreading the assessment load. In this regard, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment’s (NCCA) Advisory Report emphasised the need to reduce the focus on the final examination period and the stress experienced by students associated with this time.
165. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the officeholder of the day to State boards, authorities and other State-appointed bodies, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9048/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that nine retired senior civil and public servants were appointed by me and my predecessors as Minister subsequent to competitions held by the Public Appointments Service since 2013.
The Deputy may wish to note that in some cases, individuals may be nominated by various organisations, for appointment to boards of certain state bodies, arising from the terms in the relevant legislation governing the bodies, rather than through the PAS process.
166. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the number of senior staff members of her Department or of State bodies under the aegis of her Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9066/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to my Department, none of the senior members of staff are members of a board of a body registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 or are on the board of a body which has had to disclose that they have engaged in lobbying State authorities.
The information in regard to senior staff members of bodies under the aegis of my Department, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
Guidance for senior staff on their involvement in such bodies can be issued by the appropriate authorities and would apply to all relevant senior staff.
167. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if there are enough primary school places available in the Killester, Raheny and Clontarf school planning area for those children whose parents wish for them to commence a multi-denominational education beginning in the academic year 2023-24; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9088/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
While my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in Killester Raheny and Clontarf , it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications: pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area;
- School of choice: pupils cannot get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area;
- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils; and
- External draw: pupils coming from outside the local area.
My Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues across school planning areas through ongoing discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities.
This close engagement will allow my Department to identify at an early stage particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.
168. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education if she can confirm the date a school (details supplied) will begin to operate in its new location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9212/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently examining the accommodation options for the school in question and my officials will be in further contact with the school patron as soon as these are finalised.
169. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education the timeline for construction of extra accommodation for a school (details supplied); and the nature, extent and purpose of the proposed construction, estimate costs and timeline. [9213/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question.
This application is under assessment by my officials and a decision will issue directly to the school authorities when the application process has been completed.
170. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the amount of funding allocated for the humanitarian relief scheme under the Supplementary Estimate for 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9144/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection (DSP) has provided an allocation of €200,000 for Humanitarian Aid in 2023. Humanitarian Aid is a demand led scheme which means that people making claims and who satisfy the terms and conditions of the scheme will be paid.
This provision is included in the 2023 Revised Estimate Volume for DSP which was passed by the Dáil on February 15th 2023.
There has been no Supplementary Estimate for 2023. Funding provided in the Revised Estimate Volume will be reviewed during the course of the year to ensure adequate funding is available.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
171. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide details of the turnover of staff in her Department for each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and the percentage of total staff this represents in each category. [9277/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is set out below in tabular form.
Turnover of Permanent Staff of the Department of Social Protection
|
Year |
Total permanent staff |
IN |
% of Total Permanent staff (in) |
OUT |
% of Total Permanent Staff (out) |
|
2020 |
6200 |
486 |
8% |
462 |
7% |
|
2021 |
6338 |
650 |
10% |
548 |
9% |
|
2022 |
6382 |
686 |
11% |
651 |
10% |
172. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current timeline for social welfare appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8931/23]
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 average processing time for all appeals finalised in 2022 was 14.9 weeks. The current* average processing time for an appeal with the Social Welfare Appeals Office is 17.4 weeks for summary decision, or 33.0 weeks for decision by way of oral hearing. *Figures based on January 2023. The first table below provides the average processing time for appeals concluded (both summary decisions and decisions following oral hearings) in each month for the period 1 January to 31 December 2022.
The second table provides the average processing times for appeals concluded in January 2023.
Appeal processing times 2022 (weeks)
|
- |
Summary Decision |
Oral Hearing |
|
January |
14.2 |
26.1 |
|
February |
12.5 |
19.5 |
|
March |
13.6 |
22.8 |
|
April |
18.9 |
24.1 |
|
May |
15.2 |
23.7 |
|
June |
17.1 |
30.3 |
|
July |
14.1 |
28.4 |
|
August |
14.5 |
30.5 |
|
September |
15.2 |
22.5 |
|
October |
14.8 |
29.3 |
|
November |
15.3 |
28.6 |
|
December |
14.7 |
25.1 |
Appeal processing times January 2023 (weeks)
|
- |
Summary Decision |
Oral Hearing |
|
January |
17.4 |
33.0 |
Significant efforts and resources have been devoted to reforming the appeal process in recent years. As a result, average appeal processing times have generally improved between 2018 and 2022 from 30.0 weeks for an oral hearing in 2018 to 26.0 weeks in 2022, and from 24.8 weeks for a summary decision in 2018 to 15.0 weeks in 2022. Further improvements in appeals processing times are a priority for the Chief Appeals Officer.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
173. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason social welfare applicants who have submitted appeals are not receiving the standard acknowledgment letters from the social welfare appeals office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8932/23]
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.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that it is standard practice in the Office to issue an acknowledgement on registration of an appeal notice. Paper/postal applications receive a paper letter by post in response and electronic applications receive an email reply in response.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
174. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she intends to address the unequal treatment of surviving cohabiting partners by her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8938/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Widow’s/Widower’s/Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension (WCP) is paid to the husband, wife, or civil partner of a deceased person, and is a weekly pension, available to those who satisfy the required PRSI contribution conditions, either on his/her own record or on that of the deceased spouse or civil partner, subject to certain criteria.
The legal context governing relationships such as marriage is set out in various Marriage, Civil Partnership and Family Law Acts, and is regulated by the Minister for Justice.
Entering a marriage or civil partnership is a legal act, which confers both rights and obligations on both parties that do not exist in law between cohabiting couples.
On becoming bereaved, widows, widowers and surviving civil partners lose someone who had those legal duties towards them. The social welfare code acknowledges this by providing a pension to them, subject to certain conditions. It was for these reasons that the social welfare supports for widows and widowers were extended to surviving civil partners from January 2011, when the provisions of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 came into force and to same sex spouses under the Marriage Act 2015.
Consequently, any changes to the Widow’s or Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s Pension would have to be considered in the context of wider and more complex issues, such as the status of marriage and cohabitation.
The Citizens Assembly have made some recommendations in relation to Constitutional reform of this area and those issues were considered by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality. I wrote to the Joint Committee in November 2022 seeking its views on this issue in the context of the Citizen’s Assembly’s recommendations.
A Private Members' Bill is at second stage in Seanad Eireann. The Bill seeks the award of a pension to a surviving cohabitant, in the same manner as a widow, widower or surviving civil partner receives a pension on the death of a spouse or partner.
A timed amendment to the Motion that the Bill be read for a second time has allowed 12 months for, amongst other things, a comprehensive consideration of the implications of the Bill through engagement and consultation with other relevant Departments and the Attorney General and an examination and response to the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality and its recommendations, including any proposals for Constitutional reform.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
175. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a carer's allowance appeal on behalf of a person (details supplied). [8956/23]
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.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the Carers Allowance appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision on 14 October 2022.
Under Social Welfare Legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by an Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. I am advised that the person concerned subsequently submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer agreed to review the appeal decision on foot of this additional evidence. The Appeals Officer did not find any new facts or fresh evidence which warranted a revision of his earlier decision. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision on 29 November 2022.
Subsequently, the person concerned submitted more evidence and the Appeals Officer again agreed to undertake a review. Following this review, the person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision on 17 February 2023.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
176. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the planned changes for how maintenance will be viewed for assessing social welfare payments; when the changes will come into effect; if the changes will impact all means tested social welfare payments, for example, the one parent family payment, jobseeker transitional payment, working family payment, jobseeker's allowance payment, and so on; if claims will be backdated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8971/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Child Maintenance Review Group was established in 2020 to prepare a report on: (i) The current treatment within the Department of Social Protection of child maintenance payments,
(ii) The current provisions relating to the liable relatives regarding child maintenance, and (iii) The establishment of a State Child Maintenance Agency.
The Government accepted the Group's recommendations in relation to the social welfare system and I am pleased to say that, pending the introduction of the necessary legislation, my Department has already implemented some of the recommended changes on an administrative basis.
As a result, my Department is no longer applying the "efforts to seek maintenance" requirement to One-Parent Family Payment and Jobseeker's Transitional Payment. This requirement often involved lone parents having to go to Court to seek a maintenance order, so this change will remove a potential additional stress for them, as well as helping to reduce the burden on our courts system.
In addition, the liable relative provisions have been discontinued. This means that my Department is no longer seeking to recoup a portion of claim costs from the non-resident parent. I want to be very clear that removing these provisions does not replace or supersede the primary responsibility of parents to maintain their children.
The remaining reform is that child maintenance payments will be disregarded in the means test for social welfare payments. This measure will mean that many lone parents currently on reduced rates of payment will see their payment increase. It will also mean that some additional lone parents will qualify for a payment. It is estimated that this measure will be of direct benefit to approximately 16,000 lone parents at a cost of approximately €10 million per year.
These are very significant reforms of the social welfare system which will be of great benefit to lone parents. These changes require amendments to both primary and secondary legislation as well as changes to some of my Department’s systems, application forms and processes. My officials are working on advancing the legislative provisions and associated issues at present to ensure full implementation as early as possible.
177. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the officeholder of the day to State boards, authorities and other State-appointed bodies, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9059/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statutory bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council and the Social Welfare Tribunal.
Three (3) retired civil servants have served on the Board of the Citizens Information Board during the period in question following a competitive process run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). All of these were ordinary board members.
No retired civil or public servants were appointed to the Boards of either the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council or the Social Welfare Tribunal during this period, as a result of being recommended on draft lists submitted by the PAS.
178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of senior staff members of her Department or of State bodies under the aegis of her Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9077/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are two senior staff members in the Department of Social Protection who are also on the Boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015. The staff members sit on the Boards in a personal capacity. The bodies in question engage in education and sporting activities and are not related to the functions of the Department of Social Protection.
All Senior Officials in the Department of Social Protection are required to complete an annual "Statement of Interest" as per the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001.
179. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to a disability allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9278/23]
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 24 October 2022.
Based on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, her application for DA was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 30 November 2022, and they were given the right to a review or an appeal.
Further medical evidence was received on 19 December 2022 and a review of this decision was carried out. The original decision was upheld and the person concerned was notified in writing on 27 January 2023.
The person concerned requested an appeal with the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO) on 09 January 2023. The file for the person in question was forwarded to the SWAO for consideration on 17 February 2023.
The person will be notified directly regarding the outcome of the appeal by the SWAO.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
180. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of commercial and non-commercial buildings that have been leased by or loaned to and refurbished by IPAS to provide accommodation for people in the international protection system, that is, IP applications and recipients of TPOs, broken down by county and the number of residents per building; and if each building has an updated fire certificate for residential occupation of the building, in tabular form. [8912/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, as the requested information is quite voluminous, my officials will require more time to answer this parliamentary question comprehensively. Significant resources in my Department are focused on the delivery and management of emergency accommodation for international protection applicants.
My officials will provide the Deputy with the details as soon as is possible.
