Tuesday, 28 Mar 2023

Written Answers Nos. 448-465

Official Engagements

Questions (448)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

448. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she met her UK counterpart during her recent visit to London for St. Patrick's Day events. [14973/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

As a part of my visit to London to celebrate St Patrick's day, I held bilateral meetings with my counterparts namely the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Minister for Employment. We spoke about the positive collaboration between the Department of Work and Pensions and the Department of Social Protection on social security matters. In particular the work being done to protect the social security rights of citizens in the UK and Ireland post Brexit.

The meeting was also an opportunity to discuss common issues faced in regard to the labour force and the cost of living crisis, supporting people with disabilities back into to employment, pension policy and hot school meals programme. It was a valuable opportunity to share learning and successes.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (449)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

449. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if assistance via an exceptional needs payment can be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14996/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Departmental records reflect the person concerned has not made a recent application for assistance with a utility bill. It is open to the person to apply by completing a SWA1 form and providing all relevant documents in support of her application.

For convenience, an application pack has been posted to the person concerned. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the claim will be assessed, and the person will be advised of the outcome in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Citizens Information Services

Questions (450, 451)

Chris Andrews

Question:

450. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the closure of a centre (details supplied), the reason this happened when there were no cost issues; the reason the Citizens' Information Board did not buy the premises when the landlord wanted to sell or rent alternative premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15007/23]

Chris Andrews

Question:

451. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange a meeting with the CEO and Chair of the Citizens' Information Board to discuss the closure of a centre (details supplied). [15008/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 450 and 451 together.

The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection (DSP), with responsibility for the Citizens Information Service (CIS).

CIB provides funding to eight independent regional CIS companies that operate the national network of Citizens Information Centres (CICs).

It is important to note that, under legislation, the CIB is charged with independently overseeing the delivery of its services under its remit. Similarly, each CIS is a limited company governed by a voluntary board of directors. These eight CIS companies make decisions independently on the delivery of services in their own regions. Each company is responsible for all matters and decisions relating to its staff and operations.

Any operational decisions in the CIS are therefore a matter for CIB and the CIS independent Boards of Directors, as Minister I cannot direct them regarding operational decisions. Dublin South CIS is the independent company with sole responsibility for the provision of information, advice, and advocacy services in Rathmines.

In relation to the closure of the Citizen Information Centre in Rathmines, I have been informed by CIB that Dublin South CIS had to vacate this office space at the end of May 2022, as the landowner had sold the premises, and Dublin South CIS were unable to source an alternative, affordable premises in the Rathmines area.

CIB has also informed me that Dublin South CIS remains committed to delivering face to face services and Citizens Information services are available at the following nearby locations:

- Liberties CIC, 90 Meath St, Dublin 8. Reception desk open Monday to Friday – 9.30am to 1 pm and 2pm to 4.30pm, appointments will be offered as required.

- Dublin 12 & 6w CIC, 8 Sundrive Road, Dublin 12. Open for drop-in Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9:30am to 12.30pm.

- Carmelite CIC, 56 Aungier St, Dublin 2, Drop-in Clinic Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 12pm.

- Appointments at these services can also be facilitated for customers who may require them.

Question No. 451 answered with Question No. 450.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Questions (452)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

452. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the social protection supports and pension payments that a person (details supplied) can avail of. [15014/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Firstly, I would like to extend my condolences to the person concerned the sudden loss of her partner.

My Department provides a range of income supports for people who are parenting alone. These include the Widow(er)’s and Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension, One Parent Family Payment, and Jobseekers Transitional Payment.

One of the qualifying conditions for Widow(er)’s & Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension, is that the applicant must have been married to or been in a registered civil partnership with the deceased. As the person concerned was not married to the deceased, she would not be entitled to Widow(er)’s & Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory Pension.

While the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 created a cohabitant's redress scheme for same-sex and opposite-sex couples, giving protection to an economically dependent party at the end of a long-term cohabiting relationship, this does not extend to the provision of survivor’s benefits; which are payable only to those who are legally married or in a civil partnership. Cohabitants are not eligible for survivor’s benefits.

As the Deputy mentioned, the woman is due to go on Maternity Leave from work. Maternity Benefit is a payment made to women who are on Maternity Leave from work or who are self-employed and who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. Maternity Benefit is paid for 26 weeks at a rate of €262 per week. It is worth noting that when a person is in receipt of Maternity Benefit it is open to their employer to top-up the payment to the level of the person’s wages and some employers do this. New parents are also eligible for Child Benefit which is paid at €140 per month for each child.

The One-Parent Family Payment is a payment to support lone parents under 66 who are bringing children up without the support of a partner. This payment is means-tested and it is payable when the youngest child is under 7 years old. The Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment is available to lone parents whose youngest child is aged 7-13 years inclusive. It is also a means-tested payment for men and women who are bringing up a child – or children – without the support of a partner. These payments are paid at €220 per week with Increases for a Qualified Child of €42 per week in respect of each child under 12 and €50 per week in respect of each child aged 12 or over. It may be that the person to whom the Deputy refers would become eligible for One Parent Family Payment once her baby is born or she may already be eligible for one of these payments, depending on the age of her other children.

Generally, a person can only receive one primary social welfare payment at a time. However, there are provisions in place where by a person can receive a reduced rate Maternity Benefit payment in addition to a One-Parent Family Payment where they meet the qualifying conditions for both schemes.

However, to ascertain what supports the person may be eligible for from my Department, I would suggest that the person contact their local Intreo office and talk to the staff there as they will be able to advise the person appropriately based on the circumstances of their particular situation. Contact information for Intreo Offices can be found on Gov.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Citizens Information Services

Questions (453, 454)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

453. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection when she intends to provide a citizens information centre in Rathmines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15019/23]

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

454. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection where the Dublin south citizens information service can be availed of by those living in Dublin 6 and Dublin 6W who need to avail of such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15020/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 453 and 454 together.

The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection (DSP), with responsibility for the Citizens Information Service (CIS).

CIB provides funding to eight independent regional CIS companies that operate the national network of Citizens Information Centres (CICs).

It is important to note that, under legislation, the CIB is charged with independently overseeing the delivery of its services under its remit. Similarly, each CIS is a limited company governed by a voluntary board of directors. These eight CIS companies make decisions independently on the delivery of services in their own regions. Each company is responsible for all matters and decisions relating to its staff and operations.

Any operational decisions in the CIS are therefore a matter for CIB and the CIS independent Boards of Directors, as Minister I cannot direct them regarding operational decisions. Dublin South CIS is the independent company with sole responsibility for the provision of information, advice, and advocacy services in Rathmines.

In relation to the closure of the Citizen Information Centre in Rathmines, I have been informed by CIB that Dublin South CIS had to vacate this office space at the end of May 2022, as the landowner had sold the premises, and Dublin South CIS were unable to source an alternative, affordable premises in the Rathmines area.

CIB has also informed me that Dublin South CIS remains committed to delivering face to face services and Citizens Information services are available at the following nearby locations:

- Liberties CIC, 90 Meath St, Dublin 8. Reception desk open Monday to Friday – 9.30am to 1 pm and 2pm to 4.30pm, appointments will be offered as required.

- Dublin 12 & 6w CIC, 8 Sundrive Road, Dublin 12. Open for drop-in Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9:30am to 12.30pm.

- Carmelite CIC, 56 Aungier St, Dublin 2, Drop-in Clinic Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 12pm.

- Appointments at these services can also be facilitated for customers who may require them.

Question No. 454 answered with Question No. 453.

Community Employment Schemes

Questions (455)

Marian Harkin

Question:

455. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any circumstances where a person can access community employment schemes, if they are not in receipt of a qualifying payment, and where there are vacancies on the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15038/23]

Awaiting reply from Department.

State Pensions

Questions (456)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

456. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the State pension entitlement of a person (details supplied) on a total contribution approach, having regard to all their paid and credited contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15048/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned reached pension age on 13 July 2022.

They were assessed as having a total of 1,351 qualifying paid and credited social insurance contributions from their date of entry into insurable employment in 1974 to 2022, giving a yearly average of 28. The State Pension (contributory) was awarded from 13 July 2022 at the currently weekly rate of €225.90 which equates to 85% of the full rate payment.

Entitlement using the Total Contributions Approach was also assessed at the time. Based on information available, the person concerned was entitled to 82.47% of the full rate payment. It was financially more beneficial, however, for them to receive the pension awarded based on the yearly average.

My Department has undertaken a further review of entitlement. A total of 677 Home Caring periods have now been included. This gives entitlement to State Pension (contributory) from 13 July 2022 at the current weekly rate of €258.70 which equates to 97.5% of the full rate payment. This will be paid to the person's nominated bank account and any arrears due will be paid without delay. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 24 March 2023.

My Department are undertaking a further review of the contribution record for the period 1975 to 1979. Upon completion of this review, entitlement of the person concerned to a higher rate will be examined and they will be notified in writing of the decision.

Also, if the person concerned considers that they have additional contributions or credits that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to my Department and their pension entitlement can be reviewed.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (457)

Robert Troy

Question:

457. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if an invalidity pension appeal, on behalf of a person (details supplied), will be expedited. [15054/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10 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 3 March 2023.

The case was referred on 23 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.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (458)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

458. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15055/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27 September 2022. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 3 March 2023.

The case was referred on 8 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.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (459)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

459. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an illness benefit backdating appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15144/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal request was received from the person concerned on 3 March 2023. The Appeals Office subsequently corresponded with him on 9 March 2023 requesting some additional documentation which is required in order to accept his appeal.

On receipt of the required information the appeal will be registered and the relevant departmental papers will be requested from the Department of Social Protection. The appeal will then be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Community Employment Schemes

Questions (460)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

460. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for an assistant supervisor (details supplied) for a community scheme; when an outcome will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15148/23]

Awaiting reply from Department.

Social Welfare Code

Questions (461)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

461. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the current fuel allowance beyond 10 April 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15191/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The 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 €412 million in 2023. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. Only one allowance is paid per household.

The provision of any additional supports such as extending the Fuel Allowance season would have cost implications and could only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and the availability of financial resources.

The Government is committed to protecting vulnerable households from the impact of energy costs through a combination of supports, energy efficiency awareness initiatives and investment in programmes to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock.

As part of the cost-of-living measures announced in the Budget, an additional lump sum payment of €400 was paid to all households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment the week of 14 November. This payment is the equivalent of over 12 weeks' additional Fuel Allowance.

When taken in conjunction with the enhanced electricity credit of €600, Fuel Allowance households will receive an additional €1,000 towards their energy costs.

Furthermore, I recently announced a further range of measures to support families through this difficult period. This package includes a €200 lump sum payment which will be paid to over 1.3 million recipients in receipt of long-term social welfare payments including to those on Jobseeker's payments or Illness Benefit for over 12 months.

For any person or family having genuine difficulty heating their home my Department also provides discretionary Additional Needs Payments, where appropriate, to people who face difficulties in meeting fuel bills. These payments are not ring-fenced or budget limited, as they would be if they were drawn from an earmarked fund, but rather are demand led.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (462)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

462. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal for a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15212/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9 January 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 21 February 2023.

The case was referred on 23 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.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

State Pensions

Questions (463)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

463. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was not awarded a full State pension (contributory); the options available to them at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15219/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned reached pension age on 22nd December 2003.

According to the records of my Department, they have a total of 330 total reckonable contributions from 1988 to 2003 which equates to a yearly average of 19 contributions. This gives entitlement to a reduced State Pension (contributory) at the current weekly rate of €199.00. This is the correct rate commensurate with the social insurance record as held by my Department.

A yearly average of 48 contributions is required to receive the maximum rate State Pension (contributory) of €265.30.

I have arranged for a copy of the person’s social insurance record to issue to them. If the person considers that additional contributions or credits have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to my Department and their pension entitlement will be reviewed.

It is also open to them to apply for the means-tested State Pension (non-contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% of the maximum rate of the State Pension (contributory). I have arranged for a State Pension non-contributory application form to issue to the person.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (464)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

464. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Social Protection if representatives from her Department have met with trade unions representing healthcare workers with long-Covid since June 2022 regarding their pay arrangement; if so, the dates of those meetings; if any of these meetings were cancelled by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15231/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Representatives from the Department have not met with trade unions representing healthcare workers with long-Covid regarding their pay arrangements. Furthermore, there are no records of any such meetings that were scheduled or cancelled by Departmental representatives.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (465)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

465. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible for her Department to make contact with their counterparts in the UK with a view to determination of entitlement to a UK pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15257/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Under the social security arrangements between Ireland and the United Kingdom, the respective authorities exchange social insurance record details for pension entitlement assessment purposes.The person concerned will be 66 in 2025. An electronic copy of their Irish record has been forwarded on their behalf to the UK authorities.

Calculation and payment of a UK pension is a matter for the pension authority in the UK. The person concerned can follow up directly with The Pension Service, Pensions & Overseas Directorate, Tyneview Park, Whitley Rd, Benton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE98 1BA, England or contact them directly on 00441912187777

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.