Written Answers Nos. 224-250
224. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what steps his Department has taken to prevent the practice of full year compulsory lease lengths being imposed on students by private student accommodation providers in Dublin and Cork, such as a company (details supplied) that owns 11 properties nationally and is offering students leases that are 52 weeks long. [7061/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith effect from 15 July 2019, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019, as amended, applied the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended, to a licence agreement between a student and an owner of student accommodation. The Act defines ‘student accommodation’ to mean ‘a building, or part of a building, used for the sole purpose (subject to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)) of providing residential accommodation to students during academic term times—
(a) whether or not the building or part of the building concerned is used for any other purpose outside of those times,
(b) whether or not any such students are permitted to reside there outside of those times, and
(c) whether or not any person other than a student resides there, provided that the purpose of the said person’s residing there serves the first-mentioned purpose.’
Section 3(1A) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended, similarly applies that Act to a tenancy agreement between a student and an owner of student accommodation.
The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris and I have asked our Departments to engage on the decision of private student accommodation providers to move to 51-week leases. While there may be a market for 51 week leases among some members of the student population, it is not desirable for the vast majority of the student population. We have asked our Departments to establish the circumstances of the 51 week leases and consider what action may follow.
The Government is committed to enhancing protections for tenants. Under Housing for All, the Government has committed to improve the supply and affordability of rental accommodation and the security of tenure for renters, including students. Work is ongoing with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) to ensure that more accommodation is built on and off campus, using cost-rental and other models. Housing for All provides that the Government support technological universities to develop purpose-built student accommodation where such a requirement exists, through access to appropriate financing.
225. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that an organisation (details supplied) is reporting that students in private accommodation fear availing of their rights under the legislation for student specific accommodation as they fear the risk of not having their lease renewed at the beginning of the subsequent academic year; and what measures his Department can take to address those concerns. [7062/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (the Acts) regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the residential rental sector and set out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Acts apply to every dwelling that is the subject of a tenancy, subject to a limited number of exceptions. Dwellings covered by the Acts include the private rental sector, the cost rental sector, the Approved Housing Body sector and student accommodation (including tenancies and licences in student specific accommodation).
The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 provides for relevant rights and obligations to apply to tenancy and licence agreements in student-specific accommodation, provided by public educational institutions and private accommodation providers. Section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Acts provides that a landlord of a dwelling shall not penalise a tenant for referring any dispute between the tenant and the landlord to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for resolution or for giving evidence in any proceedings under Part 6 (Dispute Resolution) of the Acts. This equally applies in respect of licence agreements in student specific accommodation. This protection also applies to a person who ceases to be a tenant/licensee by reason of the termination of the tenancy/licence.
226. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will use his powers to appoint an independent person to undertake a review of a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7068/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe elected council of a local authority has the primary oversight role in the governance of the local authority, and the role of the chief executive is to carry into effect all lawful directions of the elected council in relation to the exercise of their reserved functions. The chief executive is also fully accountable to the elected council through, for example, the furnishing of information to the council in relation on any business or transaction of the local authority or the provision of monthly management reports in relation to the performance of his or her executive functions.
Under Part 14 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended), in particular, a range of significant oversight powers are available to the elected council in relation to the chief executive, should the council resolve to use them. These include Section 146 of the 2001 Act which relates to the suspension and removal of the chief executive.
Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) sets down the Ethical Framework for the Local Government Service. Section 174 of the 2001 Act sets down the procedure to be followed when there are possible contraventions of the Ethical Framework, a procedure in which there is no statutory role for the Minister.
Given the independence of local authorities as a separate arm of government to national government and the primary oversight role of the elected Council in a local authority, and given that both sufficient powers are available to the elected council and appropriate procedures in place under the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended), the matter in question is more appropriately considered at a local level.
227. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses in Ireland that are damaged by pyrite or mica and also had the cavities of the walls pumped with insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7090/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraArising from the Government Decision of 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) grant scheme, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) was tasked with delivering a programme of work to carry out reviews of a number of technical matters, including a review of the impact of pumped cavity wall insulation on cavity wall construction and within homes susceptible to or impacted by defective concrete blocks.
The NSAI is Ireland’s official standards body and is an autonomous body under the aegis of the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment. I understand that the NSAI have advised that an interim report on the matter will be completed in Q1 2024.
228. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible for someone in receipt of a social welfare payment to leave the country for a period of longer than two weeks to support family in the time of bereavement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6683/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSome social welfare payments, mainly contributory pensions and long-term benefits payable under the social insurance fund, are payable while the recipient is absent from the State.
Other, mainly short-term and mans tested payments, may be payable in respect of periods a person is temporarily absent from the State for up to two weeks subject to the qualifying conditions continuing to be met. In some cases a recipient of such schemes may be allowed to travel outside the State for periods in excess of two weeks, i these cases the periods for which they may be entitled to payment will vary in accordance with the scheme guidelines.
Payment is generally suspended during such absences and restored when the person returns with any arrears due then payable provided that the qualifying conditions for payment were fulfilled during the period of absence.
Any recipient of a social welfare payment should contact the relevant scheme area of the Department who will provide full information regarding payment during such absences from the State. In all cases the Department must be notified in advance of travelling, outlining the circumstances and the intended return dates.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
229. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in supports being paid to residents in Cork following flooding (details supplied). [6729/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (HAS) is to prevent hardship by providing income tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair. The scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) in this Department.
Following any severe weather event, CWS staff closely monitor the situation on the ground in the area affected and work alongside relevant local authorities and other agencies to assess emerging needs and to participate in the local response effort that is mounted following a particular event.
CWS staff were immediately available on the ground in Cork in the aftermath of Storm Babet offering financial assistance and advice to those living in the affected areas.
In dealing with emergency events the Department generally adopts a three-stage approach as follows:
• Stage 1 provides emergency income support payments (food/clothing/personal items) in the immediate aftermath of the event.
• Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items.
• Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support is required, including plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting.
Where financial assistance is required for structural damage and the estimated cost as outlined in builder’s quotes provided by the customer is of a high value amount, the case will be referred to the Loss Adjusters appointed by the Department of Social Protection.
Households in Copper Valley Vue Estate, Glanmire, Co. Cork have received continuous support since this storm and there has been no undue delay with any HAS claims;
• Stage 1 - All households that have applied for Stage 1 assistance, have received a payment.
• Stage 2 – Of the households that have applied for Stage 2 support, those claims have been actioned and my Department are awaiting the provision of further information from two applicants in order to progress their claims.
• Stage 3 – It was necessary due to high value of the claim amounts to refer the claims of the households that have applied for assistance under Stage 3 of the HAS scheme to a Loss Adjustor. To date, where the Loss Adjuster reports have been returned, letters of offer have been sent to the customers. My Department is awaiting Loss Adjuster reports for the remaining two applications.
Due to the complexity involved additional information is also required to progress the remaining claims, and it can take some time for this information to be made available by the client. The CWS is paying close attention to all claims received and claims are being processed as quickly as is possible. Where it is necessary to involve the services of a Loss Adjuster, this may also impact on the timeframes involved.
Any household in an area affected by severe weather can access the support of the HAS by contacting the Community Welfare Service at 0818 60 70 80, or they can call in to the Intreo Centre at Abbeycourt House in Cork City to discuss their HAS application with a Community Welfare Officer.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
230. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend children's allowance to cover children over 18 years of age ahead of planned date of next September (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6730/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild Benefit is an almost universal monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 years. Currently, the payment continues to be paid in respect of children until their 18th birthday where they are in full-time education, or have a disability.
In Budget 2024, the Government decided to extend the payment of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds who are in full-time education or have a disability. This was one of my key priorities in the Budget.
With many children now starting primary school at age 5, together with the increase in pupils doing transition year, there has been an increase in the number of 18-year-olds still in secondary education. I believe the extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education is a long-term change for the better and will support families across Ireland into the future.
This is a significant change to the Child Benefit scheme. It requires technical and operational changes before implementation.
We had originally provided that the change would take effect from September this year. However, I am very pleased that we are now able to bring this important change in from an earlier date and I have
I have secured Government approval to do that. As a result, the measure will be brought in from the first of May. In the region of 60,000 children are expected to benefit from this measure annually.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
231. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the policy her Department has regarding wages derived from a limited company and how they are assessed and treated in relation to means tested social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6732/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra232. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the policy her Department has regarding profits held in a limited company and how they are treated and assessed in relation to means tested social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6733/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.
The rules governing the assessment of means for the purposes of means tested Social Welfare payments are given under Schedule 3 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended). These rules provide for the assessment of all capital and income, with some legislated exceptions.
Distributed profits or drawings from a limited company are assessable in the means test. Wages paid to a claimant from a limited company (and/or their spouse/partner if relevant) are assessable income, however most schemes will disregard a proportion of earnings.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
233. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if supports exist for self employed persons with children with special/additional needs; if so, the qualifying criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6739/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key role of my department is to provide income support where an income need arises because of a particular contingency – be that illness, disability, caring or unemployment.
The main income supports to carers provided by my department are Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Support Grant. Spending in 2024 is expected to amount to over €1.7 billion on these payments.
Carer's Benefit payment is not available to the self-employed. However the range of other carer payments can be availed of by people who are self-employed and have children with special/additional needs, provided they meet the other qualifying criteria:
• Domiciliary Care Allowance is a non means tested monthly payment made to a parent or guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability and requires continual or continuous care and attention substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age for at least 12 consecutive months. To qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance, the child must live at home with the person claiming the allowance for five or more days per week. As part of Budget 2024, I increased the rate of Domiciliary Care Allowance from €330 to its current rate of €340 per month.
• The Carer’s Allowance is the main scheme by which my department provides income support to carers in the community. Carer’s Allowance is a payment to people on low incomes who are caring full-time for a person who needs support because of age, disability or illness (including mental illness). The person being cared for must require full-time care and attention. For a single person €350 .00 of gross weekly income is disregarded. Where a carer is married/in a civil partnership/cohabiting the first €750.00 of combined gross weekly income is disregarded. As part of Budget 2024 I have increased these thresholds to €400 and €900 respectively, to take effect from June this year.
• The Carer's Support Grant is automatically paid to people in receipt of Carer's Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care allowance in June of each year. Other carers not in receipt of a carer’s payment may also be eligible for the Grant. The objective of the Carer’s Support Grant is to support carers in their caring role and carers may use the grant in a manner that is appropriate to their needs. The grant is not subject to a means test and it is not taxed. The grant is paid in respect of each person being cared for to take account of the additional cost of providing care and to recognise the particular challenges faced by these carers. As part of Budget Measures 2021, the rate of the grant was increased by €150. The new rate of €1,850 is the highest rate of the grant since its introduction.
A primary qualifying condition for the Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Support Grant payments is that the applicant provides full-time care and attention to a person in need of such care. However, in order to support a carer’s continued attachment to the workforce and to support broader social inclusion, carers may engage in some limited employment - including self-employment - education or training of up to 18.5 hours per week, while still being regarded as being in a position to provide full-time care and continue to receive their full payment. During this time of employment, education or training, adequate provision must be made for the care of the relevant person.
I trust that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
234. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures she is taking to ensure that organisations, including State bodies under the aegis of her Department as well as non-governmental organisations and charities that are in receipt of funding from her Department, do not use any portion of such funding to campaign or promote a position in favour or against any outcome of the forthcoming referenda on Articles 41.1.1, 41.2.1 and 41.2.2 of the Constitution, thereby breaching the McKenna principles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6768/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe judgement in McKenna stated that the Government has a duty to give information to the electorate as well as to clarify issues which may arise in the course of the campaign, and must do so without advocating a particular position. Governments have carried out this role in all Referenda since the McKenna Judgement.
My Department provides funding to a wide variety of employment programmes and job activation schemes such as the Community Employment, Job Initiative, Tús and Rural Social Scheme. All funds that are provided to these schemes for advertising and promotional activities are on the basis of promoting the programme of work undertaken and the employment opportunities offered by these programmes. It is made clear in the instruction to all service providers, including sponsor companies involved, that the use of this funding is restricted to such promotional activities only.
There are four statutory bodies under the aegis of my Department. These are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Authority, the Pensions Council and the Social Welfare Tribunal.
The Citizens Information Board funds and supports the network of eight regional Citizens Information Services (CIS). These CIS companies have a specific remit, governed by Service Level Agreements (SLAs), to provide information, advice and advocacy on a broad range of public and social services. These SLAs do not include the provision of funding to campaign or promote a position either in favour or against any outcome of the forthcoming referenda.
I can also confirm that neither the Pensions Authority, nor the Pensions Council or the Social Welfare Tribunal have engaged in any campaigns to promote a position in favour or against any outcome of the forthcoming referenda.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
235. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection regarding a recent refusal of free travel to a person (details supplied), as the applicant is under the age of 66 years and is not in receipt of any of the qualifying payments, but rather on a widows pension, and given the medical evidence submitted with the application, if she will make an allowance in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6783/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public transport services provided by the State, and some private transport services, for those eligible under the scheme.
Currently, applicants who are under 66 must be in receipt of a qualifying payment in order to qualify for the scheme.
The qualifying payments for those aged under 66 are Invalidity Pension, Blind Pension (or a person who is blind or severely visually impaired and satisfies the medical conditions for a blind pension, or registered with Vision Ireland), Disability Allowance, Incapacity Supplement with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months, Carer’s Allowance, or an equivalent social security payment from a country covered by EU Regulations or one with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement.
I regret, based on the information available, the person concerned does not qualify for the Free Travel scheme at this time as she is not getting a qualifying payment.
From July, the Free Travel scheme will be available to people who have never been able to obtain a driving licence due to a medical condition. I am also making the scheme available to people who have a licence but are medically certified as not fit to drive for 12 months or longer. My Department is working on the required system changes to deliver this extension of Free Travel from July, while application forms will be available from May for those who wish to apply.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may award a travel supplement, where the circumstances of the particular case so warrant. The supplement is intended to assist with ongoing or recurring travel costs that cannot be met from the person’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. Every decision is based on consideration of the circumstances of the individual case, taking account of the nature and extent of the need and of the resources of the person concerned.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
236. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of any additional payments/scheme which may apply to persons who are in a house share and who qualify for a social welfare payment which would ordinarily entitle them to the fuel allowance, but have been denied due to the means of the other household members who are not related in any way and who live entirely separate lives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6806/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €382 million in 2024. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. Only one allowance is paid per household.
The criteria for Fuel Allowance are framed in order to direct the limited resources available to my Department in as targeted a manner as possible. To qualify for the Fuel Allowance payment, a person must satisfy all the qualifying criteria including a means test and the household composition criteria. Fuel Allowance is a household payment and the means and circumstances of all members of the household are taken into consideration when assessing a households entitlement to Fuel Allowance.
My Department does not have any additional payments/scheme which are payable solely because of the circumstances outlined by the Deputy.
However, my Department can make Additional Needs Payment to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payment are available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation, and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
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. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
237. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6842/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention.
To qualify, the carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
An application for CARB was received from the person concerned on 9 January 2024.
While this claim was initially refused, following a review, CARB was awarded on 1 February 2024 for the periods from 8 June 2023 to 2 August 2023 and from 10 August 2023 to 11 June 2025. The first payment issued on 8 February 2024 along with all arrears due.
The person concerned had no entitlement to CARB for the period 3 August 2023 to 9 August 2023 as it was determined that the person concerned had income during this period which was greater than the €350.00 threshold for CARB.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
238. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection for the most recent figure on the number of carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, excluding those on a half-rate carer’s allowance; the number of carers who receive a reduced rate of carer’s allowance due to means, categorised by recipients aged under 66 caring for one person, aged under 66 caring for two or more people, aged over 66 caring for one person and aged over 66 caring for two or more people; and a breakdown of these rates by the number of person’s receiving a reduced rate carer’s allowance payment under €100, between €100 - €150, €151 - €200, €201 - €251, €252 - €302, €303 - €353, €354 - €392 and €393 - €443, in tabular form. [6991/24]
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.
Please find attached the most recent figure on the number of carers in receipt of CA, excluding those on a half-rate CA; the number of carers who receive a reduced rate of CA due to means, categorised by recipients aged under 66 caring for one person, aged under 66 caring for two or more people, aged over 66 caring for one person and aged over 66 caring for two or more people; and a breakdown of these rates by the number of person’s receiving a reduced rate CA payment under €100, between €100 - €150, €151 - €200, €201 - €251, €252 - €302, €303 - €353, €354 - €392 and €393 - €443.
|
The number of carers in receipt of CA (excluding those on half rate CA) |
51,245 |
|
|
|
|
The number of carers (excluding those on half-rate) who receive a reduced rate of CA |
6,849 |
|
Aged under 66 and caring for one person |
5,584 |
|
Aged under 66 and caring for two or more people |
1,045 |
|
Aged over 66 and caring for one person |
216 |
|
Aged over 66 and caring for two or more people |
4 |
|
|
|
|
Number of carers (excluding those on half-rate) receiving a reduced CA payment: |
|
|
Under €100 |
692 |
|
€100 - €150 |
897 |
|
€151 - €200 |
1,285 |
|
€201 - €251 |
1,778 |
|
€252 - €302 |
1,354 |
|
€303 - €353 |
506 |
|
€354 - €392 |
210 |
|
€393 - €443 |
127 |
I hope this information is of assistance.
239. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide the most recent figure on the number of carers receiving a half-rate carer’s allowance; the number of carers who receive a reduced rate of the half-rate carer’s allowance due to means, categorised by recipients aged under 66 caring for one person, aged under 66 caring for two or more people, aged over 66 caring for one person and aged over 66 caring for two or more people; and a breakdown of these rates by the number of person’s receiving a carer’s allowance payment under €100, between €100 – €120, €121 – €141, €142 – €162, €163 – €183, €184 – €196 and €197 - €215, in tabular form. [6992/24]
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.
Please find attached the most recent figure on the number of carers receiving a half-rate carer’s allowance; the number of carers who receive a reduced rate of the half-rate carer’s allowance due to means, categorised by recipients aged under 66 caring for one person, aged under 66 caring for two or more people, aged over 66 caring for one person and aged over 66 caring for two or more people; and a breakdown of these rates by the number of person’s receiving a carer’s allowance payment under €100, between €100 – €120, €121 – €141, €142 – €162, €163 – €183, €184 – €196 and €197 - €215.
|
The number of carers in receipt of CA at a half rate of payment |
44,862 |
|
|
|
|
The number of carers on half rate who receive a reduced rate of CA |
1,022 |
|
Aged under 66 and caring for one person |
645 |
|
Aged under 66 and caring for two or more people |
96 |
|
Aged over 66 and caring for one person |
275 |
|
Aged over 66 and caring for two or more people |
6 |
|
|
|
|
Number of carers on half rate receiving a reduced CA payment: |
|
|
Under €100 |
502 |
|
€100 - €120 |
265 |
|
€121 - €141 |
159 |
|
€142 - €162 |
39 |
|
€163 - €183 |
44 |
|
€184 - €196 |
8 |
|
€197 - €215 |
5 |
I hope this information is of assistance.
240. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give consideration to reviewing the housing assistance payment and rent supplement on an annual basis to ensure that the subsidy increases match increases in the private rental sector market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7049/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment scheme and the Rental Accommodation scheme, administered by the local authorities, are now by far the largest schemes providing rental supports.
The Housing Assistance Payment continues to provide long term housing to those who have verifiable long term housing needs. Policy relating to the Housing Assistance Payment is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Accordingly, the issue of a review in the rent limits is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The number of people availing of Rent Supplement has reduced significantly in recent years. My Department operates a flexible policy on a case-by-case basis that allows for higher rent supplement payments in certain circumstances.
Special arrangements are also in place under the Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol and the National Tenancy Sustainment Framework to prevent customers entering homelessness where it was difficult to maintain and/or source available rental properties.
In addition, my Department, in conjunction with Threshold, operates a special protocol in the Dublin, Cork, Kildare, Galway, Meath and Wicklow areas where supply issues are particularly acute. Threshold advise, advocate and intervene on behalf of individuals or families in receipt of rent supplement who are in danger of losing their tenancies.
Additional Needs Payment are also available to assist those who have essential expenses, such as rent deposits, rent in advance and household bills, that they cannot pay from their weekly income.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
241. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will give due consideration to benchmarking the State pension, to ensure that older people do in the private rental sector do not experience undue hardship in the context of rent affordability and expenditure on critical items such as heating electricity and healthcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7052/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Roadmap for Social Inclusion contains a commitment to develop a benchmarking approach for use in adjusting the value of State pension payments. The approach proposed by the Department, known as the smoothed earnings approach, was subsequently endorsed by the Pensions Commission.
Government subsequently decided that the Department of Social Protection would, in submitting budget options, set out the rate of pension payment using the smoothed earnings benchmark approach as an input into Budget discussions on an annual basis.
I can confirm that this calculation was prepared and submitted to Government as part of preparations for Budget 2024. In assessing Budget options, and taking account of this calculation, Government was mindful that the cost of living pressures are most acute over the winter period. For that reason, rather than taking a simplistic approach to applying an indexed rate of increase to weekly rates of payment, the Government decided to 'front-load' supports through the provision of once-off payments, including extra payments for pensioners receiving Fuel Allowance, those in receipt of carer’s payments and those living alone.
These payments were provided in addition, not only to the €12 increase in the weekly payment rate, but to the double week payments in December and January.
This combination of once-off payments in conjunction with the €12 weekly rate increase, not only exceeds the value of a benchmarked increase but ensures that a significant proportion of this value is delivered when people need it most - over the winter period.
For example, the value of the double payments for a single pensioner is €542.60 – equivalent to over €10 per week from these two payments alone.
Pensioners living alone, and in receipt of Fuel Allowance will have received bonus payments of €500 – equivalent to a value of about a further €10 per week.
In addition, ESRI post Budget analysis shows that the approach taken by the Government is progressive in nature and that households, including pensioner households, are better off compared to a purely indexed linked approach.
242. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of carers allowance/benefit, including half carers payments, in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7084/24]
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.
Carer’s Benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who may be required to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a person(s) in need of full-time care.
There are currently 4,144 persons in receipt of CA (including half rate payments) in Co. Wexford.
There are currently 116 persons in receipt of CARB in Co. Wexford.
I hope this information is of assistance.
243. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of the carers respite grant in 2023 in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7085/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Carer’s Support Grant (CSG) is paid to people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance.
Other people who are not in receipt of a social welfare payment but who are providing full time care and attention may also be eligible and can apply for the standalone CSG. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to certain conditions, one of which is that the period of full-time care and attention must last for at least six months. For the purpose of approving this grant, this period of care must include the first Thursday in June.
The CSG is currently payable at a rate of €1,850.00
The number of carers who received the CSG in Wexford in 2023 was 5,141.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
244. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received for carers allowance/benefit from residents in County Wexford in 2023; the number of those applications that were awarded and the number that were refused; the number of outstanding 2023 applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7086/24]
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.
Carer’s Benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who may be required to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a person(s) in need of full-time care.
Please find attached the number of applications received for CA & CARB from residents in County Wexford in 2023; the number of those applications awarded and the number refused; and the number of outstanding 2023 applications:
CA 2023 – CO WEXFORD
|
Number of applications received in 2023 |
907 |
|
Number of applications awarded |
546 |
|
Number of applications refused |
338 |
|
Number of applications outstanding |
9 |
|
Number of applications withdrawn |
14 |
CB 2023 – CO WEXFORD
|
Number of applications received in 2023 |
119 |
|
Number of applications awarded |
79 |
|
Number of applications refused |
36 |
|
Number of applications outstanding |
2 |
|
Number of applications withdrawn |
2 |
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
245. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will amend statutory sick pay criteria to align it with illness benefit in relation to PRSI, USC and employer’s PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7092/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraStatutory sick leave policy is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The matter of deductions from payments of statutory sick pay is proper to my colleague the Minister for Finance.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
246. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the up-to-date position in relation to the scope investigation being carried out by her Department into work practices and historic liabilities by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7094/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra247. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the scope investigation being carried out by her Department into work practices and historic liabilities by an organisation (details supplied), the number of individual employee’s cases being reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7095/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra248. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the scope investigation being carried out by her Department into work practices and historic liabilities by an organisation (details supplied), what the settlement figure paid back is to date, and in respect of how many individuals was this settlement amount; how many cases remain a outstanding and unsettled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7096/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra249. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the scope investigation being carried out by her Department into work practices and historic liabilities by an organisation (details supplied), what the estimated cost has been to her Department to date in monetary terms and in terms of personnel hours; on what date the review was initiated; when the process is anticipated to conclude; if the organisation has fully co-operated with her officials; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7097/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra250. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the scope investigation being carried out by her Department into work practices and historic liabilities by an organisation (details supplied), if her Department has the resources to conclude the process in the near future, or whether she expects a lengthy delay in finalising the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7098/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 246 to 250, inclusive, together.
In late 2020 the Department of Social Protection commenced an investigation into the PRSI classification of RTÉ’s contractors.
RTÉ provided the Department with lists of 695 workers engaged on a contract basis in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and these formed the basis of the investigation. The scale of the Department’s investigation in RTÉ is significant and further workers may be brought into the scope of the investigation as it proceeds.
It is in the interests of workers, RTÉ and the Department that the investigations are progressed in a timely and efficient manner.
In conducting these investigations the Department's fundamental objective is first, to ensure that workers do not suffer a loss of entitlement to social insurance benefits as a consequence of misclassification and, second, to ensure that employers collect and remit the correct amount and value of social insurance contributions. Where an investigation identifies that this has not been the case the workers record is corrected, and employers are required to remit the correct value of contributions back-dated as appropriate.
• To date:
• Decisions have issued in respect of 131 workers.
• 89 workers were found to have employee status and Class A PRSI applies, while 42 workers were found to be self-employed and insurable at Class S PRSI.
• 48 decisions have been appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Each appeal requires a review of the appellant’s submissions and the preparation of detailed replying submissions It is, of course, entirely a matter for the worker and RTE to decide if they wish to pursue an appeal.
• Of these appeals, 21 have been disposed of with the original decisions being maintained in 20 cases.
• RTE has also requested a review by the Chief Appeals Officer of the Appeals Officer’s decision in two cases.
• One of the appeal decisions has also been appealed by RTE directly to the High Court without requesting a review by the Chief Appeals Officer. That case is ongoing.
A total of €1,773,048.01 in compliance has been notified to RTÉ to date. The total liability repaid to date by RTÉ amounts to €1,270,155.93.
Employment status investigations can be complex; each case involves at least two parties and each case must be investigated having regard to its own facts and with an opportunity for each party to be interviewed and to make and respond to submissions.
The Department continues to engage pro-actively with RTÉ on an ongoing basis.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
