Written Answers Nos. 86-109
86. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline any anticipated expenditure as a result of Euro 2028; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27625/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2023, it was announced that Ireland will jointly host the UEFA EURO 2028 football championships with the UK. This presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase Ireland and our world-class tourism and sport offerings to Europe and the wider world.
This will be the largest sporting event Ireland has ever jointly staged. It will also be the largest single international sporting event held in Ireland.
The costs arising from hosting have been scrutinised in great detail and all funding contributors understand the scale of costs arising. The state investment in the event will be spread across a number of departments and agencies, with the bulk of the funding requirement falling due in 2027 and 2028. The key partners in this regard will be the Department of Justice (with regard to policing and security costs), Dublin City Council (fanzone sites, dressing and other infrastructure), the Department of Transport and my own Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
In line with the requirements of the public spending code, a business case was prepared regarding the costs of the event and an economic impact study was also conducted on the value of the tournament. Taking into account that Ireland may host six games, in Dublin, it is estimated that the tournament should realise a discounted Gross Value Added (GVA) for the country of €189 million in 2022 prices. When benefits that accrue in subsequent years are taken into account the benefit is estimated to rise to a value of €241 million. Allowing for costs of approximately €65.6 million in 2022 prices this will yield a significant return on investment to the state.
The budget includes items such as security, local authority, transport and some stadia costs. It will be kept under review and all costs will be monitored, controlled and appropriately scrutinised throughout delivery to ensure value for money. All costs arising will be addressed as part of the normal Estimates processes in the years leading up to the event.
87. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to an exchange during Leaders Questions on 21 May 2024, the timeframe set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024 for when the revised wind guidelines will be published, and the review into the 2006 wind energy development guidelines will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27311/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including setback distance, noise, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.My Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of Guidelines, which is highly technical in nature.The two Departments have been engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources.Further to this engagement, DECC appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. This work is substantially complete. My Department, in conjunction with DECC in respect of its environmental noise remit, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to noise annoyance and setback distance.With regard to the finalisation of the review of the Wind Energy Development Guidelines, the Climate Action Plan 2024 sets out a timeline of Q4 2024 for publication of the final updated Guidelines and my Department is working towards meeting this commitment. When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended or, subject to enactment of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. The current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force pending the finalisation of the review.
88. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if further funding will be provided this year to local authorities in respect of a programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27332/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of the scheme including assessment, approval, prioritisation and budgetary apportionment is the responsibility of local authorities.
The Exchequer funding provision of €74.5 million for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme has been increased by €8 million for 2024. Local authorities were recently informed of their 2024 allocations with each local authority receiving an increase on the 2023 allocation, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
My Department works closely with the local authorities to monitor spend and to achieve a full drawdown of available funding. This means that any underspends that arise on the part of any local authority can be redistributed to other authorities which have high levels of grant activity and the Department makes every effort to redistribute such funding throughout the year. My Department encourages all local authorities to ensure all applications on hand are processed to the degree possible for final payment to ensure optimal spend on their annual allocation. Whilst additional Exchequer funding may become available, the Council must provide the 20% match funding from their own resources therefore the Council is also managing the scheme within the resources allocated at the local level.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds that apply and the grant limits. My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the recommendations in the report with a view to bringing forward amendments to the relevant Regulations governing the schemes as soon as possible with a view to also publishing the final report.
89. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the NPWS will be prosecuting a retailer who was selling illegal electronic traps in breach of the Wildlife Act 1976 snares and traps regulations (details supplied). [27353/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department had conducted an investigation in relation to the sale of electronic rodent traps by a retailer. Upon notification of the legal status of the traps, the retailer promptly removed them from sale and quarantined them until their UK-based manufacturer could collect them.
The decision to prosecute is taken carefully on case by case basis and on consideration of a number of factors including evidentiary standard, public interest and legal advice. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
90. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ban larsen traps due to the stress and suffering caused to trapped birds and the fact that they are banned in Denmark, their country of origin. [27354/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has commenced a project to review and update wildlife legislation. This is an extensive review and is a multi-year project. It will examine closely the effectiveness of our legislation in protecting wildlife and regulating activities that adversely impact on wildlife and biodiversity. A first phase of public consultation will commence soon. Many aspects of legislation will be examined as part of this project, including the issue raised in the Question.
91. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of land in hectares purchased by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; the county location of same; the average price per hectare paid for this land, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27363/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being complied and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with standing orders.
|
2020 |
||
|
County |
Total Hectares |
Average price per Hectare |
|
Galway |
9.19 |
€7,791 |
|
Kildare |
1.27 |
€11,955 |
|
Offaly |
15.09 |
€10,052 |
|
Roscommon |
2.84 |
€9,704 |
|
Westmeath |
6.72 |
€8,972 |
|
Wicklow |
79.08 |
€1,391 |
|
2021 |
||
|
County |
Total Hectares |
Average price per Hectare |
|
Clare |
22.55 |
€4,213 |
|
Galway |
10.69 |
€7,797 |
|
2022 |
||
|
County |
Total Hectares |
Average price per Hectare |
|
Mayo |
2.48 |
€12,097 |
|
Roscommon |
3.68 |
€12,569 |
|
Westmeath |
3.69 |
€14,847 |
|
2023 |
||
|
County |
Total Hectares |
Average price per Hectare |
|
Clare |
13.37 |
€8,975 |
|
Galway |
14.23 |
€12,000 |
|
Kerry |
189.88 |
€5,398 |
|
Kildare |
19.67 |
€3,690 |
|
Longford |
25.19 |
€16,951 |
|
Meath |
223.86 |
- [1] |
|
Mayo |
171.48 |
€3,207 |
|
Offaly |
3.95 |
- [2] |
|
Roscommon |
2.52 |
€14,815 |
|
Waterford |
19.4 |
€7,629 |
|
Westmeath |
10.16 |
€7,407 |
|
Wicklow |
8.07 |
€22,939 |
92. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Nature Restoration Law and associated legislation will in no way impact on planning applications for farming related developments and rural housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27365/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nature Restoration Law (NRL) presents significant opportunities to support the achievement of nature, water and climate objectives, as well as substantial investments in rural economies and communities.
The NRL sets out a framework for Member States to restore nature, with binding targets for a wide range of ecosystems including rivers, forests, oceans, urban areas and agricultural ecosystems, as well as protected habitats and species throughout the State.
Farmers have nothing to fear from the NRL as the legal obligation to achieve these targets is on the Member State, not the landowner. The Government is clear that all restoration measures will be voluntary. Furthermore, the targets set out in the NRL do not relate to individual Member States but constitute overall Union targets. It is up to each Member State to decide how it will achieve its targets by making a National Restoration Plan within 24 months of the NRL coming into force.
The Government is committed to an open, transparent and thorough stakeholder engagement process for the development of Ireland's National Restoration Plan.
This will give all stakeholders, including farmers organisations an opportunity to shape Ireland's plan so that it works for farmers and nature. The Government knows that nature restoration on agricultural ecosystems (farms) cannot happen without farmers' active participation and consent.
As part of the roll out of the NRL and the National Restoration Plan that will require to be developed to give effect to the law, there will be a need for all sectors, including planning, to review what additional requirements, whether legislative or policy, may be necessary to implement in both urban and rural areas.
93. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of people currently on the housing list in County Kildare; the number in the month of June in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27382/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
The most recently published summary for all local authority areas was conducted on 1 November 2023 and shows that there were 3,450 households on the waiting list in Kildare whose need had not yet been met. It should be noted that the SSHA is a point in time snapshot of the demand for social housing support in each local authority area. Therefore the number of households on the list in the month of June in each of the past three years is not available.
The most recently published summary and all previous summaries are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/
94. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects a project to be completed in County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27383/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Barrow Blueway Project is a significant initiative which will support communities and create exciting opportunities for recreation and increasing people’s well-being. The greater level of use of the waterway and its towpath by visitors to the area will improve the local economy and support local services. Kildare County Council is the Project Manager for the Barrow Blueway Project and is responsible for the overall project delivery.
Waterways Ireland is responsible for the delivery of the canal-side works elements while the roadside works elements are being undertaken by Kildare County Council. Phase 1 of the 46km Blueway development is nearing completion, with both bound and unbound surface on the entire route almost complete. Installation of access control gates and road crossing infrastructure is also nearing completion. Phase 2 is expected to be completed by mid- 2025 with the construction of a pedestrian bridge at Rathangan, Co. Kildare. Installation of new access jetties along the route as well as interpretative features such as signage and activation infrastructure are currently being delivered by Waterways Ireland.
Kildare County Council publishes project updates for the Barrow Blueway regularly on its website www.kildarecoco.ie .
95. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of officials employed in the vacant homes unit in his Department in each of the years 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form [27388/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vacant Homes Unit in my Department was established in 2022. The number of staff members assigned to this Unit from 2022 are as follows:
|
Numbers employed in the Vacant Homes Unit |
||
|
- |
FTE |
Headcount |
|
December 2022 |
4.5 |
5 |
|
December 2023 |
7.5 |
8 |
|
As of 31-May-2024 |
8.5 |
9 |
96. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of officials employed in the derelict sites unit in his Department in each of the years 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form [27389/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have a business unit dealing exclusively with derelict sites. The Planning Division of my Department has responsibility for the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and staff in the Division would have carried out work in relation to this issue over the period 2019 to 2024.
97. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing units owned by each local authority, in tabular form. [27390/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraStatistics in relation to the social housing stock are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in the Local Authority Performance Indicator Report. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including the number of social housing units in local authority ownership at a given time. The most recent report, relating to 2022, is available on the NOAC website at the following link: www.noac.ie/noac_publications/8339/#:~:text=The%202022%20Performance%20Indicator%20Report,44%20indicators%20under%2011%20headings
98. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing officers currently employed by each local authority, in tabular form. [27391/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he/she is responsible. My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis.
However, granular data, in terms of the detailed breakdown of the numbers and grades of staff allocated to specific work areas within local authorities is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. The relevant information would be available from the local authorities concerned.
99. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of changing places toilets available nationally, by location and date of opening, in tabular form. [27440/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage I have responsibility for the Building Regulations that set out the minimum legal requirements for the construction of new buildings and certain works to existing buildings.
In 2022, following a public consultation I introduced the Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2022 to increase the provision of changing places toilets in certain new buildings, and to improve the accessibility and usability of existing building stock by making provision for a changing places toilet, where there is a significant extension or material change of use.
The number of new changing places toilets provided will be determined by construction activity commenced and the number of buildings or works that meet the use and size criteria listed in the Technical Guidance Document M.
The operative date of the Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2022 was 1 January, 2023 and applies to buildings or works commenced after 1 January 2024.
It is not within the remit of my Department to collect or collate data on the numbers of public changing places toilets available.
100. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an application for the croí cónaithe house refurbishment grant (details supplied) will qualify for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27480/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. A grant of up to €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.
The objective of the grant scheme is to refurbish and bring existing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes. The grant is available to individuals for the purpose of refurbishing vacant or derelict properties for use as their principal private residence or to be made available for rent.
To qualify for the grant, properties considered for inclusion must be built up to and including 2007 and vacant for 2 years or more at the time of grant application. Proof of vacancy is required to support grant applications. Confirmation of vacancy can be validated and verified by the use of, for example, utility bills, which can help determine vacancy periods (e.g. continuous and consistent low or zero electricity usage or disconnection for a period of two years) or such other proofs as are available. Confirmation of vacancy must be validated and verified by the local authority prior to grant approval.
While my Department provides guidance on the scheme, it is the local authorities who administer and manage the scheme. Local Authorities assess grant applications in line with scheme eligibility criteria, one of which is that the property must be vacant for two years prior to the application being made.
101. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a walking trail proposal will be facilitated by Met Éireann (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27531/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMet Éireann has received the proposal regarding a walking trail which would pass through Met Éireann property on Valentia Island. In advance of making a final decision on the matter Met Éireann has sought additional details, in particular survey arrangements in relation to the archaeology present and the heritage status of the area. Once this additional information is available, the matter will then be further considered by Met Éireann.
102. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, SEAI, ESB and EirGrid regarding the opportunity to use surplus renewable energy to help tackle fuel poverty in local authority and approved housing body homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27607/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRenewable electricity plays a crucial role in Ireland’s efforts to combat climate change. Under the Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23), Government has set an ambitious target of having an 80% share of electricity generation capacity coming from renewable sources by 2030 to create a more sustainable and resilient energy system for the future. My colleague, the Minister for Energy, Climate and Communications, has responsibility for these climates objectives and the regulation of electricity from a consumer perspective.
The Energy Poverty Action Plan, which was approved by Government in December 2022, set out the range of measures implemented, as well as key longer-term measures, to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs were supported and protected to adequately heat and power their homes over winter 2022/23. The implementation of the Action Plan has been monitored by a cross-departmental Steering Group, chaired by the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications and including representatives from the Departments of Social Protection, Housing, Finance, Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Health and Rural & Community Development, along with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the HSE. A strong emphasis on fuel poverty and the need to improve thermal performance in the social housing stock remains a priority for my Department, as is evident in the Energy Efficiency Programme launched in 2021 which has received a substantial increase in annual funding support to assist local authorities in the management and maintenance of their stock.
Budget 2024 has provided a budget of €90 million for the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme this year which will allow for 2,500 local authority homes to be targeted for upgrade to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or cost optimal equivalent level.
103. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the current average processing times for all social welfare payments; the number of applications received for each payment; the number of applications processed to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27334/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department always seeks to ensure that claims are dealt with quickly and efficiently, understanding the many pressures faced by customers. I am pleased to report that claim processing is up to date with processing targets met, or exceeded, for the main scheme areas.
Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing eligibility criteria. Schemes that require a high level of documentary evidence from the customer, particularly in the case of illness-related schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested schemes can also require more detailed investigations and interaction with the customer, thereby lengthening the decision-making process.
The table below shows the average processing times at the end of May 2024, as well as the number of applications received and processed from January to May 2024.
|
Scheme |
Average Processing Time (weeks) |
No. of applications received |
No. of applications processed |
|
Carer's Allowance |
6 |
9,511 |
11,366 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
5 |
2,025 |
2,526 |
|
Child Benefit |
1 |
13,748 |
14,912 |
|
Disability Allowance |
8 |
12,080 |
18,279 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
6 |
5,610 |
5,788 |
|
Free Travel |
9* |
Not available |
4,690 |
|
Household Benefits |
1 |
28,796 |
31,314 |
|
Illness Benefit |
1 |
155,853 |
156,093 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
7 |
4,304 |
6,683 |
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
1 |
54,475 |
49,428 |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
1 |
61,143 |
63,606 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
6 |
18,019 |
18,459 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
1 |
2,297 |
2,661 |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
3 |
4,774 |
4,124 |
|
Parent's Benefit |
1 |
32,998 |
34,208 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
6 |
12,819 |
12,478 |
|
State Pension Contributory |
4 |
19,057 |
20,865 |
|
State Pension Non-Contributory |
9 |
4,985 |
6,003 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
1 |
19,793 |
21,633 |
|
Widows Contributory Pension |
2 |
3,908 |
3,702 |
|
Working Family Payment |
9 |
13,116 |
11,468 |
*at end April 2024 (May figure not yet available)
Overall, I am pleased that my Department continues to ensure that customer service is maintained at a high level.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
104. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the average wait time for an additional need's payment application. [27335/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments (ANPs) to help meet expenses that an eligible person cannot pay from their weekly income. The ANP scheme is demand led and administered by Designated Persons (DPs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS), 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.
Work on hand for ANPs is within the scheme's normal processing levels and fully completed applications, where the required documentation is supplied, are processed generally within ten days. Where it is clear that a person has an urgent or immediate need, every effort is made to ensure that the claim is processed on the same day. CWOs are very experienced and can generally assess when a case is so urgent that it requires an immediate response. They have the facility to issue an immediate manual cheque payment to clients and approximately 19% of clients who present to CWOs in person each week receive a payment on the day that they attend.
When considering an application from people in financial difficulty for any payment under the SWA scheme, the DP must consider all of the relevant circumstances when examining a case in determining the most appropriate scheme type and level of assistance required. The DP may ask for a number of supporting documents to ensure the customer receives a level of payment appropriate to their needs. Where an application cannot be finalised promptly, the delay is normally due to the need for additional information or documentation and the time it takes for the information to be provided. Upon receipt of this information, the application is then processed quickly.
The CWS is committed to providing a quality service to all citizens, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
105. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the average wait time for a social welfare appeal. [27336/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 and management of the Appeals Office is the responsibility of the Chief Appeals Officer.
I am advised that the average time taken to process an appeal during 2023 was 16 weeks.
106. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend free travel for car passengers to include the cost of a car on the Passage East ferry linking Passage East, County Waterford and Ballyhack, County Wexford; the reason the scheme is currently in place for foot passengers only given the ferry is a main access route for persons attending University Hospital Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27370/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Free Travel scheme is available to people over 66 years and to people in receipt of certain social welfare payments who are under 66 years. From 29th July 2024, Free Travel is also available to persons who are medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months. Free Travel recipients must be permanently resident in the State.
The scheme permits travel for free on most CIE public transport services, Luas, Local Link and over 80 private bus and ferry transport operators. Free Travel is also available on cross border journeys, and within Northern Ireland, for those over age 66.
The car ferry, to which the Deputy refers, recently commenced accepting Free Travel for pedestrian passengers, effective from 1st June 2024. Travel by private car, including the cost of a car on a ferry crossing, is not covered under the Free Travel scheme.
I trust this clarifies the matters for the Deputy.
107. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the eligibility criteria for the back to work enterprise allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27379/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme (BTWEA) offers support for people who are long-term unemployed and who are interested in self-employment as a route to re-entering the labour market.
To qualify for BTWEA a person is required to have received an eligible income support payment continuously for 9 months. An applicant who is a part time or casual worker is required to be in receipt of a jobseekers payment for 12 months immediately prior to the BTWEA application and can have a maximum of 30 days of insurable employment during that period.
In addition to BTWEA, those in self-employment may have entitlement to support under the Jobseeker's Allowance scheme. Means derived from their self-employment would be assessed and a weekly Jobseeker's Allowance rate may be payable.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment provides a range of tailored supports for new enterprises in Ireland. This includes the network of Local Enterprise Offices across the country which are a first-stop shop for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business. The Local Enterprise Offices offer a range of business supports including financial supports, training programmes and mentoring.
I trust this clarifies the position.
108. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection her response to the recommendations relevant to her Department of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight’s ‘Examination of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27410/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission on Taxation and Welfare was established in April 2021, with the aim of setting out how our taxation and welfare system might best support economic activity and income redistribution whilst promoting employment and prosperity in a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable manner. It published its report in September 2022.
I am pleased the Committee on Budgetary Oversight published a report in September 2023 on its hearings relating to the report of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare.
Among its overall comments and observations, the Committee made a number of specific recommendations relating to my Department. My officials have carefully considered the report as it relates to my Department.
As regards recommendations 16 and 17, the Government has agreed to retain the State Pension age at 66 years. However, to facilitate the introduction of State Pension deferral, the PRSI exemption age has increased from age 66 to 70 years with the exception of the following two categories:
1. Those already aged 66 years or over on the 1st January 2024.
2. Those who have drawn down their entitlement to the State Pension (Contributory).
For those meeting the above exceptions, they will continue to be exempt from PRSI from age 66 years while those who do not, will be able to continue to pay PRSI in order to gain entitlement to the State Pension (Contributory) or defer their entitlement to enhance their benefit once they do so.
On benchmarking and indexation, in September 2023 I announced a series of reforms to the State Pension system in response to the recommendations from the Commission on Pensions. As part of this, the Government committed that a smoothed earnings method to calculating a benchmarked/indexed rate of State Pension payments will be introduced as an input to the annual budget process and be submitted to Government each year from 2023. A study on benchmarking and indexation in relation to working age social protection payments is underway and is expected to be completed in 2024.
In respect of Automatic Enrolment, the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill is being implemented to address the shortfall in pension coverage and retirement income adequacy. It is estimated that up to two thirds of workers in the private sector do not have pension coverage outside of the State Pension.
It is important therefore that action is taken to make sure that people will have sufficient income in retirement to provide them with a good standard of living.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
109. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if the accommodation recognition payment to accommodate refugees from Ukraine is taken into account in the means test for fuel allowance or any other subsidiary payments from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27419/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accommodation Recognition Payment is a monthly payment of €800 available to those who are providing accommodation to a person or people who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive.
The payment is disregarded when assessing means for Fuel Allowance purposes. The payment is also disregarded for means testing purposes for other subsidiary payments such as the Household Benefits Package, Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and Rent Allowance.
While the disregard also applies to all schemes under Supplementary Welfare Allowance, it will be taken under consideration where an application for assistance is made under Additional Needs Payment (excluding a supplement) when establishing an applicant’s financial resources.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
