Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:465. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25988/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (465)
Freagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 February 2023. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8 March 2023.
The case was referred on 28 March 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. It is expected that a decision will issue to the person concerned in the coming weeks.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Employment Schemes
Ceisteanna (466)
Mark Ward
Ceist:466. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection when the review of the reasonable accommodation fund will be completed; if she will provide a breakdown of how the €1 million expansion of the reasonable accommodation fund allocated in budget 2023 will be utilised; the provisions for mental health in the revised reasonable accommodation fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25998/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Reasonable Accommodation Fund aims to support the employment of disabled people by providing financial support to help make workplaces more accessible.
The review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund is near finalisation and I expect to publish it in the coming weeks. The aim of the review is to improve the effectiveness of the supports to employees and employers, to identify gaps in provision, and to improve the application and payment processes.
In Budget 2023 I announced an additional €1 million for improvements to the scheme, which will be informed by the recommendations in the forthcoming review.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (467)
Mark Ward
Ceist:467. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the current number of advocates, per county, in the national advocacy services for persons with disabilities in each of the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25999/23]
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 works across four regional areas - Midlands North East, Greater Dublin, Fingal and Wicklow, Southern Region and Western Region.
The table below sets out current number of NAS Advocates, per region, in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023. This data encompasses both NAS Senior Advocates and NAS Advocates.
It should be noted that, throughout 2022, NAS had a number of staff members on maternity leave and long-term sick leave, that required backfill posts to be recruited. This increased the overall number of NAS advocates in 2022.
|
- |
Number of NAS Advocates by Region 2021- Q1 2023 |
||
|
Region |
2021 |
2022 |
Q1 2023 |
|
Midlands North East |
7 |
8 |
6 |
|
Greater Dublin, Fingal and Wicklow |
10 |
12 |
9 |
|
Southern Region |
10 |
9 |
8 |
|
Western Region |
9 |
9 |
9 |
|
Total |
36 |
38 |
32 |
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (468)
Mark Ward
Ceist:468. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the plans being put in place to address the findings of the cost of a disability research report published in December 2021; the way in which it is proposed to reduce day-to-day costs for persons with a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26000/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Indecon report highlighted that there is not a single typical ‘cost of disability’; rather there is a spectrum from low additional costs to extremely high extra costs of disability, depending on the individual circumstances of the person concerned. It also highlighted the cost of disability is significantly broader than the income support system and therefore needs a whole-of-government response. Additional costs of disability identified run across a number of areas of expenditure including housing, equipment, aids and appliances, mobility, transport and communications, medicines, care and assistance services and additional living expenses.
As the findings of the research have implications for many areas of public policy, the Government referred the report on the Cost of Disability to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group. This group was chaired by my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD. The group included relevant departments, agencies, and a Disability Stakeholder Group. The work of the group was due to end in 2021 but was extended to the end of 2022. A new national cross-Government strategy to succeed the National Disability Inclusion Strategy is being developed. This work is being led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth. The Cost of Disability report is an important element of the evidence base which will inform the scope and focus of the strategy.
From the perspective of my Department, I introduced a number of measures as part of Budget 2023 to support people to mitigate the impacts of the rising cost of living:
• Cost of living double payment paid in October 2022,
• €500 cost of living disability support grant paid in November 2022
• €200 cost of living payment for people who receive the Living Alone Increase,
• €400 lump sum Fuel Allowance payment,
• Christmas Bonus double payment to all persons getting a long-term disability payment,
• €200 cost of living payment in April 2023.
Also, as part of Budget 2023, I introduced the following increases to weekly payments and income thresholds, which took effect in January 2023:
• An increase of €12 in the maximum rate of weekly disability payments. with proportionate increases for qualified adults and for people getting a reduced rate.
• Disablement Benefit is now disregarded in the means assessment for Fuel Allowance.
• A €1 million expansion of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund.
• The earnings disregard for Disability Allowance and Blind Pension increased from €140 to €165.
• The means assessment threshold for Fuel Allowance increased from €120 to €200.
The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020 – 2025 includes a commitment to develop and consult on a ‘strawman’ proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments to simplify the system and take account of the concerns expressed in the Make Work Pay report.
Work on the Strawman is at an advanced stage. I intend to carry out a wider consultation process with all stakeholders and advocacy groups following publication.
Any further changes to the payments and schemes provided by my Department aimed at supporting people with disabilities will be made in an overall policy and budgetary context.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (469)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:469. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for an exceptional needs payment by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26072/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The purpose of the ENP is to assist people with essential expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their available resources. The ENP scheme is demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. Applications for ENPs are made under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service (CWS) in the Department.On 18/05/2023 the person concerned applied for an ENP for assistance with utility bills. A request for further information subsequently issued to the person from the CWS. Part of this additional information was received by the Department on 25/05/2023.A letter has issued to the person concerned on 29/05/2023, requesting a credit union statement be provided. When this statement is received, the claim will be assessed promptly and the person will be informed of the outcome in writing. I trust this clarifies the matter.
State Pensions
Ceisteanna (470)
Michael Creed
Ceist:470. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is in receipt of the maximum contributory pension; if not, if her Department will review this case with regard to credit for social insurance contributions paid while working in the UK between 1964 and 1967; if she will further consider 2003 when the pensioner considers that they would have paid a PRSI contribution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26087/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned reached pension age on 24 July 2007.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 1,006 qualifying paid and credited social insurance contributions from their date of entry into employment in 1967, to the end of 2007. This equates to a yearly average of 25 contributions, giving entitlement to 98% of the maximum rate state pension (contributory), the current rate of which is €260.10 per week. They are also in receipt of €10.00 per week over 80 allowance.
The rate of State pension (contributory) paid is commensurate with their social insurance record as held by my Department. In order to qualify for the maximum rate, a yearly average of 48 contributions is required.
The person concerned was awarded Jobseekers Allowance from January 2003 to September 2003. If Jobseeker's allowance was paid at anytime during the tax year, self-employed contributions could not be paid for that year. No liability for self-employed contributions was charged or paid in 2003.
Officials in my Department have been in contact with the UK pension authority. Upon receipt of the insurance record from the UK pension authorities, entitlement to a pro-rata pension will be assessed. The person concerned will be paid the pension that is financially more beneficial to them.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Domestic Violence
Ceisteanna (471)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:471. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the total annual number of victims of domestic violence who received rent supplement from 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26104/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The accommodation needs of victims of domestic violence are met through a joined-up service delivery model provided by Tusla with the close involvement of the various housing authorities nationwide. Access to Rent Supplement can be provided on referral by Tusla or by prescribed Tusla-funded service providers. This provides victims of domestic violence with a fast track approval and screening process with a simplified means test to get immediate access to rent supplement so that they are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial concerns.The standard rent supplement means test does not apply to these applicants for an initial three month period. After three months, a further three month extension may be provided, subject to the usual rent supplement means assessment. After six months, if the tenant has a long-term housing need, they can apply to their local housing authority for social housing supports and, if eligible, will be able to access the Housing Assistance Payment, a social housing support provided by Local Authorities. Access to rent supplement is additional and complementary to the range of other supports already in place for victims of domestic violence.
In the period since August 2020, 293 victims of domestic violence have been supported with rent supplement under the protocol. There are 17 victims of domestic violence currently being supported under the Protocol, with a further 36 victims of domestic violence being supported on rent supplement subject to the standard rent supplement means assessment and eligibility criteria, following the initial period of support under the protocol.
Table 1 shows the total number accessing rent supplement support under the domestic violence protocol from August 2020 to date in 2023 by year.
Table 1 - The total number accessing rent supplement support under the domestic violence protocol from August 2020 to date in 2023 by year.
|
Year |
Total Number of Recipients |
|
2020 |
51 |
|
2021 |
127 |
|
2022 |
93 |
|
2023 |
22 |
|
Total |
293 |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Domestic Violence
Ceisteanna (472)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:472. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the annual monetary amount spent on translation services for victims of domestic violence from 2016 to 2023 inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26105/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Social Protection arranges for the provision of translation and interpretation services at the request of customers and in cases where it is apparent that the customer’s interaction with the Department can be improved by having access to such services. The commitment to provide translation and interpretations services is published on my Department’s website and in its Customer Charter.
When accessing translation services, sensitive information pertaining to customers' personal circumstances is not submitted or retained by my Department, therefore the annual monetary amount spent on translation services specifically for customers experiencing domestic violence is not available.
I can confirm that in 2022, my Department provided almost 5,000 document translations and over 9,400 multi-language interpretations services to our customers. The current budget allocation for 2023 for the provision of these services in my Department is €2 million, though this is likely to be surpassed given continued demand for Ukrainian translation and interpretation services.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (473)
Michael Creed
Ceist:473. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department is currently conducting a review of the continuing eligibility of recipients of carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26108/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's allowance 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.
In order to qualify, applicants must show that they are habitually resident in the State, that their means are less than the statutory limit, that they are providing full-time care and attention and that the person being cared for requires full-time care and attention.
Once claims are in payment, my Department periodically reviews them to ensure that there is continued entitlement and, if so, that the customer is in receipt of the correct rate of payment. Depending on the circumstances in each case and to make best use of resources, a review may concentrate on one specific condition of entitlement.
My Department is currently conducting a means review of recipients of full rate Carer's Allowance where a significant period of time has elapsed since the last review of their means occurred.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse / civil partner / cohabitant, property (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
To accurately assess the means of these customers, it is necessary to obtain up to date income and capital information for the customer and their spouse / partner (if applicable). Customers are required to complete and return a Means Assessment Review form and provide relevant information and documentation to support the information supplied on the form. This information will enable a review of the existing Carer's allowance payment to ensure that the customer is in receipt of the correct rate of payment.
At all times, every effort is made to complete these reviews as quickly as possible.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (474)
Verona Murphy
Ceist:474. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer’s allowance review initiated on 7 February 2023 for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26115/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's Allowance 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.
It is a condition for receipt of Carer's Allowance that the carer must be providing full-time care and attention and it is a further condition that the care recipient must require full-time care and attention.
I can confirm that a request for review of the entitlement of the person concerned was submitted on 7 February 2023. The file is currently with a local social welfare inspector (SWI) to determine whether the eligibility criteria for the payment are being met.
The SWI report is expected to be finalised shortly. Once received, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Personal Public Service Numbers
Ceisteanna (475)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:475. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused a PPS number. [26152/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To apply for a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number the applicant must provide evidence of identity, address and the reason why a PPSN number is required.
In this instance, the applicant stated that a PPS Number was required to pay Local Property Tax (LPT). The property in question was not in the the applicant's name and was in the name of the applicant's spouse. In order to process the application for the PPS Number, evidence of the LPT liability and a letter from the owner of the property authorising the applicant to be liable for the LPT payment were requested but not submitted by the applicant.
My officials have been in contact with the applicant again and have determined that the PPS Number is required to enable him to exchange a UK driver's licence for an Irish licence. My officials provided the applicant with a form from the National Driver Licence Service and will process the PPS Number application when all the required documentation is submitted.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (476)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:476. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection when arrears will be paid to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26160/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's allowance 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 wish to inform the Deputy that following an appeal dated 29 March 2023, arrears of Carer's Allowance and associated correspondence issued directly to the person concerned on 26 May 2023.
I trust that this information clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Community Employment Schemes
Ceisteanna (477)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:477. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of paying the living wage and the minimum wage to all workers on the CE scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26180/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Community Employment (CE) Scheme 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 payment rates on CE are related to the underlying social protection payments plus €27.50 per week. In addition, a participant may be eligible, where appropriate, for payments in respect of any qualified dependent adult and children.
If a CE participant's underlying payment (including dependents) is €220 a week or less, they receive the minimum CE weekly rate of €247.50, that is €220 plus the top up of €27.50. If a participant's underlying payment (including dependents) was €220 or more, then they receive the same rate as their social welfare payment plus €27.50.
These rates are not comparable to hourly rates such as the National Minimum Wage. However, for the Deputy’s information, CE participants work 19.5 hours per week, so if an hourly rate was applied to the weekly minimum rate for CE participants, it would equate to €12.69 per hour. The National Minimum Wage is €11.30 per hour, making a difference of €1.39.
In November 2022, a Government decision on the introduction of a national living wage for employees was announced. The living wage will be set at 60% of hourly median wages in line with the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission. It will be introduced over a four-year period and will be in place by 2026, at which point it will replace the statutory National Minimum Wage.
The current hourly National Minimum Wage of €11.30 is in line with the living wage strawman proposal. As such, 2023 can be considered the first year of the proposed four-year path towards reaching the living wage of 60% of the median wage which is in line with the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission.
There are currently 18,649 participants on CE. The annual cost of funding this number of participants at the minimum weekly CE rate would be almost €240m. If the National Minimum Wage for 19.5 hours per week was paid to the same number of people, it would cost approximately €213.6m.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.