Seán Sherlock
Ceist:423. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of a fuel allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10908/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (423)
Freagraí scríofa
The Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April.
The Fuel Allowance for the person concerned was awarded from 20 January 2023. They were notified in writing on 28 February 2023.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (424)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:424. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of a fuel allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10911/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April.
The Fuel Allowance for the person concerned was awarded from 27 January 2023. They were notified in writing on 28 February 2023.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (425)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:425. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the current status of a fuel allowance claim in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [10912/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April.
The Fuel Allowance for the person concerned was awarded from 13 January 2023. They were notified in writing on 27 February 2023.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Public Sector Staff
Ceisteanna (426)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:426. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if community employment supervisors will be permitted to work past their 66th birthday; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10946/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Community Employment Scheme (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis.
The programme is delivered through independent CE sponsor organisations that receive state funding from the department to cover the cost of CE participant, supervisor and assistant supervisor remuneration.
As the Deputy is aware, in response to the recommendations from the Commission on Pensions, a set of new pension measures were approved by Cabinet in September 2022. The set of reforms agreed include maintaining the state pension age at 66, introducing a new flexible pension age model which will mean that people will have the option to continue working up until the age of 70 in return for a higher pension. The new model, once implemented, will apply to workers across the State.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (427)
Michael Ring
Ceist:427. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline the position regarding a rent supplement claim by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10949/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rent 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.
The responsibility for the provision of rent support to those with a long-term housing need has transferred from the Department of Social Protection to the local authorities. 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 been in receipt of a Rent Supplement (RS) since 23/11/2015 and is currently receiving an RS payment of €38.80 per week. Following notification of a rent increase, a review of the person’s claim was initiated and information was sought on 18/10/2022. As this information remains outstanding a reminder issued recently to the person for the following:
- A letter from the Local Authority stating the person has been assessed as having a housing need.
- Evidence that the person has applied for HAP.
- Utility bills for the last 6 months.
- Evidence of rent paid for 6 of the last 12 months.
- Bank/Revolut/An Post statements for all accounts held by the person and her spouse for the last 6 months.
- Original notification of the rent increase from the landlord.
- Current tenancy/lease agreement.
- Up to date proof of ownership from the landlord.
When this information is received, the person’s claim will be assessed and she will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Question No. 428 answered with Question No. 412.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (429)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:429. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update regarding legislation to abolish mandatory retirement ages, given the recommendations of the report of the Pensions Commission which propose that the Government addresses current legislation governing mandatory retirement ages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10967/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system on 20th September 2022. The measures, which were approved by Government, are in response to the recommendations from the Commission on Pensions. The set of measures represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.
One of the measures announced is that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will introduce measures that allow, but do not compel, an employee to stay in employment until the State Pension age. Officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are working on these measures.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (430)
John McGuinness
Ceist:430. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on an application for State pension (contributory) in the name of a person (details supplied); and if her Department has any agreement with the Netherlands regarding pension contributions. [10972/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned reached pension age on 3 May 2022. The application for State Pension (contributory) was received on 11 October 2022
Under 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. As the person concerned does not have the minimum of 520 full-rate paid Irish contributions they do not qualify for an Irish state pension (contributory) based on their Irish contribution history alone.
Since the person concerned resided in the Netherlands, their pension entitlement to a pro rata State pension (contributory) is under investigation, based on a combination of their Irish insurance record with their insurance records in the Netherlands. Upon receipt of the relevant information from the Dutch pension authorities, the person’s pension entitlement will be reviewed and they will be notified in writing of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (431)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:431. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the current position in relation to a current appeal for domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11004/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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 on 27 January 2023 to an Appeals Officer 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.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (432)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:432. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11005/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 27 October 2022 and will receive her first payment to her nominated bank account on 16 March 2023. Any arrears due from 22 October 2022 to 15 March 2023 will issue shortly. The person in question was notified of this decision on 1 March 2023. I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (433)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:433. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11014/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. The Department received a claim for IP for the person referred to on the 24 November 2022. The claim was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. Notification of the decision issued to the person concerned on the 28 February 2022 informing him of this decision and the reasons for it. He was also advised of his right of to request a review of this decision and his right to appeal this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (434)
James Lawless
Ceist:434. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11026/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned applied for Jobseekers Benefit (Self Employed) (JBSE) on the 12/01/2023 and requested that their claim be backdated to the 01/01/2023. No reason for late application was given. Their claim was disallowed on the basis that they were still engaged as a self employed contributor, their rental income had not ceased and therefore they had not ceased all self employment activities.
The entitlement conditions for JBSE include that a person satisfies the contribution conditions and is not engaged in employment or self employment.
A disallowance letter was issued to the person concerned on the 23/01/2023 and they were advised that they had until the 13/02/2023 to appeal the decision. As no appeal was received, the claim for JBSE was closed.
In relation to their possible application for Benefit Payment for over 65 (BP65) on reaching their 65th birthday, this scheme is based on JBSE legislation. The person concerned has stated that their rental income is ongoing, therefore their self employment will be deemed ongoing and he would not be considered as having ceased self employment for the purposes of qualifying for BP65.
However, as the person concerned has yet to reach their 65th birthday, this Department is not in a position to predict a future entitlement as circumstances may change in the future. The person concerned should submit and application for BP65 upon reaching the age of 65 and an official decision will be issued.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (435)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:435. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she can make arrangements for the early payment of an annual grant in respect of a person (details supplied); if this is not readily available to the person, if she will provide guidance on whether any other social protection payment is available in the interim; and if an appeal process is available in respect of another social protection should the person fail to secure it. [11030/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Carer's Support Grant (CSG) is an annual payment made to carers who receive Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance. The CSG is currently payable at a rate of €1,850 and is paid in June each year. The CSG can also be paid on a stand-alone basis to people not in receipt of these payments but who are providing full time care to a care recipient for a continuous period of at least six months and this period must include the first Thursday in June. In the case of a stand-alone CSG, where a care recipient passes away prior to this date in June, the CSG is not payable in respect of that person.
I understand that the person concerned is already in receipt of a primary social welfare payment.
However, in cases of income need, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme administered by the Community Welfare Service of my Department, a single payment may be made to help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. Such an Additional Needs Payment is made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
If the person concerned considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment, they should contact their local Community Welfare Service. There is a National Community Welfare Service Contact Centre in place – 0818 607080 – which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
Decisions on Additional Needs Payments are not appealable to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. However, should a person wish to have such a decision reviewed, a review by a Review Officer in my Department may be requested.
Queries in relation to Disabled Parking Permits are dealt with by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes
Ceisteanna (436)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:436. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) can be permitted to remain on the community employment scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11067/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The aim of the Community Employment (CE) programme is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and long-term unemployed people by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their local communities. The programme aims to improve a person’s opportunities to return to the labour market.
CE placements are intended to be temporary and subject to time limits. This is to ensure the continued availability of places on CE schemes for long-term unemployed candidates. Those who are unemployed and in receipt of an eligible payment for 12 months or more may be eligible to participate on CE.
In light of the COVID related challenges faced by CE schemes I announced a number of reforms to CE since the start of 2022. As part of these reforms and to assist schemes to maintain services in communities, participants including those with extended contracts, may not be required to leave CE where a suitable replacement has not been referred to the scheme. Extensions under this provision must be approved by officials from the Department and consideration will be given to the recruitment and referral efforts made by the scheme. This does provide schemes with additional flexibility to retain participants where required to maintain services in communities. The current extension period is 6 months.
The CE participant concerned has been working in the role of Personal Assistant and is due to complete his eligible time on the CE project on 21/04/2023. However, if no suitable replacement is referred to the scheme before that date, the scheme can choose to submit a request to the Department to retain the CE participant concerned for a 6 month extension period. The scheme is familiar with the Department's process for 6 month extensions.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (437)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:437. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will remedy an anomaly concerning the means tested payment for carer's allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11133/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.
Social welfare legislation provides that, for social assistance schemes, income and capital (such as savings, investments and property other than the family home) belonging to the claimant and his or her partner, where applicable, is assessable for means assessment purposes.
How capital is assessed can vary depending on the nature and purpose of the payment, and various disregards apply across the schemes, reducing the amount of means assessed.
For most social assistance schemes, the first €20,000 of capital is fully disregarded, the next €10,000 assessed at €1 per thousand, the next €10,000 assessed at €2 per thousand, with the remainder assessed at €4 per thousand.
In the case of Carer’s Allowance and Disability Allowance the first €50,000 is fully disregarded.
It should be noted therefore that Carer’s Allowance has the most generous income threshold in the social welfare system.
The assessment of capital is in keeping with the overarching aim of the system of means testing, which is to ensure that, insofar as is reasonable, people with higher amounts of income or capital use their income or realise the value of their capital to support themselves, without relying solely on a social assistance payment.
Any changes to the assessment of capital as part of the means assessment for Carer's Allowance would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (438)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:438. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year cost of increasing the number of advocacy services for persons with disabilities to 60. [11209/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) is funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board (CIB), a statutory body under the aegis of my Department. CIB has a mandate under the Citizens Information Act 2007 to provide advocacy for people with disabilities.
NAS provides a free and confidential issues-based representative advocacy service to adults with a disability. NAS has a particular remit for people with disabilities who are isolated from their community and services, have communication differences, are inappropriately accommodated, live in residential services, attend day services or have limited informal or natural supports.
The number of permanent whole-time equivalent Advocate posts in NAS is currently 28.
Based on 2023 costs, the table below shows the estimated full-year costs of increasing the number of Advocates to 60, which is an increase of 32 whole-time equivalent posts. Estimates are based on Point 1 and Point 3 on the Advocate salary scale. The figures do not include provision for any additional salary, administrative or managerial costs that may arise from any such potential increase in Advocate posts.
|
Salary Costs at Point 1 on the Advocate Salary Scale (Gross salary +PRSI 11.05% + Pension 7% + death in service benefit) |
Total Salary Costs for an additional 32 Whole Time Equivalent advocate posts to bring the number of Advocates to 60 |
Estimated provision for overheads including office space, training, insurance, travel and subsistence (€15,000 per Advocate) |
Total Estimated costs to increase the number of NAS Advocates to 60 (an increase of 32) for 12 months at Point 1 of the Advocate salary scale |
|
€50,558 per advocate post |
€1,617,856 |
€480,000 |
€2,097,856 |
|
Salary Costs at Point 3 on the Advocate Salary Scale (Gross salary +PRSI 11.05% + Pension 7% + death in service benefit) |
Total Salary Costs for an additional 32 Whole Time Equivalent advocate posts to bring the number of Advocates to 60 |
Estimated provision for overheads including office space, training, insurance, travel and subsistence (€15,000 per Advocate) |
Total Estimated costs to increase the number of NAS Advocates to 60 (an increase of 32) for 12 months at Point 3 of the Advocate salary scale |
|
€53,908 per Advocate post |
€1,725,056 |
€480,000 |
€2,205,056 |
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (439)
Ged Nash
Ceist:439. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason she has delayed an extra payment of child benefit to June while other cost-of-living measures announced by her Department recently are being paid in April; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11255/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In Budget 2023, I secured a significant Social Welfare package of almost €2.2 billion. As part of that, one of my priorities was to provide support for families and children. People in receipt of Child Benefit received a double payment in respect of each child in November 2022. This measure benefitted approximately 638,000 recipients in respect of over 1.2 million children at an estimated cost of over €170 million.
I also provided for the weekly rates of the Increase for a Qualified Child to increase by €2 to €42 per week in the case of children under age 12 and by €2 to €50 per week in the case of children aged 12 or over. These increases took effect from January at an estimated cost of €30.4 million in 2023.
The Government recognises the challenges of rising prices and last month announced details of a new cost-of-living measures package worth €1.2 billion. These measures include a lump sum Child Benefit payment of €100 in respect of each child in June at a cost of €122 million. I have also provided for a one-off increase of €100 to the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. This will benefit 153,000 recipients, in respect of 273,000 children at a cost of €27.3 million. These payments are being made during the summer months to support parents with back to school costs.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (440)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:440. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11278/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Drafting of primary legislation is the responsibility of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. However, regarding gender, all legislation is drafted in line with Section 18 of the Interpretation Act 2005.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service
Ceisteanna (441)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:441. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will urgently re-visit the funding of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in order that the highly valued work undertaken by dedicated mortgage advisors can continue beyond the current funding expiration date of 30 November 2023; if she will consider making dedicated mortgage advisor positions permanent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11291/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Dedicated Mortgage Arrears Services (DMA) is delivered by the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), a funded company of the Citizens Information Board (CIB). It forms part of the suite of services offered under Abhaile - the national State funded Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service.
CIB is a statutory body under the aegis of my Department, and, as Minister for Social Protection, I have joint responsibility for oversight of the Abhaile service with the Minister for Justice. I absolutely recognise and value the important work carried out by the DMA service and its advisors in supporting people in mortgage arrears.
In relation to your reference of a 'funding expiration date of 30 November 2023', please note that in November 2022, the Government agreed to an extension of the Abhaile service, including the Dedicated Mortgage Arrears service, for one year to 31 December 2023.
This decision was made having regard to emerging findings from a Strategic Review of Abhaile, which is expected to be completed shortly. The findings of this Review will be taken into account when Government considers the long-term delivery of Abhaile, including the Dedicated Mortgage Arrears service. On completion of the Review, my colleague the Minister for Justice and l will present a joint memorandum to Government in this regard.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (442)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:442. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a domiciliary care allowance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [11351/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable in respect of a child aged under 16, who has a severe disability and requires ongoing continual or continuous care and attention substantially over and above the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age without their disability and the child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for least 12 consecutive months.
An application for DCA in respect of their child was received from the person concerned on 31 January 2023.
The person concerned was notified in writing of the deciding officer's decision on 03 March 2023 and of their right of review and / or appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (443)
Michael Creed
Ceist:443. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to the living alone allowance. [11373/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned must complete an application form for the Increase for Living Alone and submit it to my Department in order to have his eligibility checked and a formal decision made on his entitlement to the allowance.
To date no application for this allowance has been received from the person concerned. An application form issued to him on 03 March 2023.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (444)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:444. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a pro-rata State pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11430/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned was in receipt of the Carer's Allowance up to 13 March 2019.
The EU state pension (contributory) has been awarded from 14 March 2019 at the current weekly rate of €61.80. This will be paid to their nominated bank account on 10 March 2023 and any arrears due will be paid without delay. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 03 March 2023.
He is also in receipt of the increase for Living Alone at the weekly rate of €22.00.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes
Ceisteanna (445)
Mark Ward
Ceist:445. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons aged 66 years cannot remain working at a CE scheme; the reason those who are currently on an old-age pension cannot start a CE scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11443/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Community Employment Scheme (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long-term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary, fixed term basis.
CE sponsoring bodies receive state funding to cover the salary costs of supervisors, assistant supervisors, and participant remuneration, along with training and material costs from my department.
CE is a working age activation scheme and CE participants who continue to be funded through CE must be of working age. As a consequence, funding for CE participants is provided up until a CE participant reaches the state pension age, which is currently 66, and this is also the reason that those who are currently on a State Pension are not eligible to participate on CE.
As the Deputy will appreciate, any extension to participation on CE beyond the State Pension age could undermine CE as an active labour market programme, which has as an objective of helping people back to work.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Personal Public Service Numbers
Ceisteanna (446)
Mark Ward
Ceist:446. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the average waiting time for a PPS number for adult applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11444/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To apply for a PPSN an adult must, in general, provide proof of identity, proof of address and proof of the reason why they are is applying for a PPSN. The national average processing time for PPSN applications is currently 21 days.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.