Tuesday, 9 Apr 2024

Written Answers Nos. 751-777

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (751)

Michael Creed

Question:

751. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision will issue on a disability allowance application (details supplied). [14151/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66.?  This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 24 January 2024.  The processing time for individual DA claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person’s circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim. 

As their initial application did not contain all the information required to make a decision on entitlement, an information request letter was sent to the person concerned on 8 February 2024 to supply this supporting documentation. 

I confirm that you provided documentation on behalf of the person concerned on 6 March 2024.  However, this did not represent all the required information that was requested on 8 February 2024 and it was necessary for the Deciding Officer to send a further information request on 22 March 2024, requesting the outstanding information.

On receipt of  requested information, a decision can be made and they will be notified directly of the outcome. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Questions (752)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

752. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of 18-year-olds that will now qualify for child benefit on foot of the recent changes introduced, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14154/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Child Benefit is a 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 who are in full-time education, or who have a disability. 

I have secured approval to bring forward, from September to May, the extension of Child Benefit for 18-year-olds who are in full-time education or who have a disability. 

Child Benefit is paid in respect of 1.2 million children and eligibility will be extended for all of these children from May 2024.  Child Benefit will be paid to anyone who is 18 and in full-time education (including 3rd level), or who has a disability, up until their 19th birthday.

While a full county breakdown will not be available until the measure takes effect in May, it is expected the measure will benefit approximately 60,000 children annually.

Departmental Advertising

Questions (753)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

753. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department uses community radio for advertising and public awareness campaigns; if not, the reason, given the vital role community radio often plays in the dissemination of information to local communities; if her Department will consider using community radio for public awareness campaigns in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14173/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department administers more than 90 separate schemes and services, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State. 

We are fully committed to ensuring that members of the public are aware of the welfare supports and services available, and ensure key changes are communicated to them.

Public information campaigns play an important role in achieving this objective. 

All campaigns are developed and targeted carefully in collaboration with our media buyer, using the best mix of media formats to ensure that the Department’s message reach members of the public effectively, while also ensuring value for money.

School Meals Programme

Questions (754, 755)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

754. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of students at primary and post-primary respectively provided with free school meals in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [14224/24]

Sorca Clarke

Question:

755. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated average cost of providing school meals per child in primary and post-primary schools respectively, in the academic years 2022-2023 and to date in 2023-2024, in tabular form. [14225/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 754 and 755 together.

The objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The Programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement. Following the expansion of the Programme in recent years, some 2,600 schools and organisations, covering 443,000 children are now eligible for funding.

Funding under the School Meals Programme can be provided for breakfast, snack, cold lunch, dinner, hot school meals and afterschool clubs and is based on a maximum rate per child per day, depending on the type of meal being provided. These meals must meet the nutritional standards for the School Meals Programme.

The details requested in the questions are contained in the attached tabular statement.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Tabular Statement

Table 1 - The number of students at primary and post-primary schools provided with free school meals in the academic years 2022-2023 and to date in 2023-2024

School/Org Type	2022/2023	2023/2024
Children Benefiting - Primary Schools	166,711	219,177
Children Benefiting - Secondary Schools	90,080	82,233
Children Benefitting - Other Organisations	9,423	8,345
Children Benefiting - Total (All Meals)	266,214	309,755

Table 2 – The estimated average cost of providing school meals per child in primary and post-primary schools, in the academic years 2022-2023 and to date in 2023-2024

School/Org Type 2022/2023	Pupils Benefitting	Allocation	Yearly Average Cost Per Pupil	Daily Average Cost Per Pupil
Primary Schools	166,711	€83,743,507	€502.33	€2.80
Secondary Schools	90,080	€31,146,534	€345.77	€2.10
Organisations	9,423	€2,276,213	€241.56	€1.34
Children Benefiting - Total (All Meals)	266,214	€117,166,254
School/Org Type 2023/2024	Pupils Benefitting	Allocation	Yearly Average Cost Per Pupil	Daily Average Cost Per Pupil
Primary Schools	219,177	€106,436,180	€485.62	€2.70
Secondary Schools	82,233	€31,823,315	€386.99	€2.35
Organisations	8,345	€2,079,573	€249.20	€1.38
Children Benefiting - Total (All Meals)	309,755	€140,339,068

Question No. 755 answered with Question No. 754.

Maternity Leave

Questions (756)

Colm Burke

Question:

756. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the duration of paid maternity leave to facilitate more women to continue breastfeeding for longer than they otherwise would have had they returned to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14235/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The question of extending the duration of Maternity Leave would, in the first instance, be a matter for consideration by the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who has policy and legal responsibility for maternity leave. My Department has responsibility for the payment of any associated benefit.

Maternity Benefit is paid for 26 weeks to employed and self-employed women who satisfy certain pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution and other conditions. In Budget 2024 I provided for a €12 per week increase in the rate of Maternity Benefit bringing the rate to €274 per week from January 2024. Sixteen weeks additional unpaid maternity leave is also available to new mothers.

Seven weeks of Parent's Leave and Benefit is also available to parents of children under age 2 or who have been adopted within the past two years. In Budget 2024, the Government provided for the extension of these schemes to nine weeks from August 2024. Parent's Benefit is paid at the same rate as Maternity Benefit.

Last July, the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks under the Maternity Protection Acts was extended from six months to two years through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. Under the Act, staff are entitled to time off without loss of pay for breastfeeding breaks at work for up to one hour per normal working day.

The extension of breastfeeding breaks means that women going back to work after maternity leave are supported to continue breastfeeding even after they return to work. The extension of breastfeeding breaks was also an important commitment under the First 5 Strategy which has now been met.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Care Services

Questions (757)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

757. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection what options are available to a worker in a caring situation (details supplied). [14252/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

The Carer's Leave Act 2001 allows employees to leave their employment temporarily to provide full-time care for someone in need of full-time care and attention.  A person is entitled to take Carer’s leave of at least 13 weeks up to a maximum of 104 weeks.  Responsibility for various forms of family-related leave, including Carer’s Leave, and the extension of same comes under the remit of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth. 

Carer’s leave from employment is unpaid.  However, a person may be entitled to Carer's Benefit paid by the Department of Social Protection.  The Carer's Benefit payment is an entitlement based on social insurance contributions.  It is a payment provided to people who may be required to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours, for a short period of time, to care for someone in need of full-time care.

To receive a Carer’s Benefit weekly payment, a person must satisfy all qualifying conditions and criteria of the scheme as defined in the legislation.

The person concerned was deemed eligible for both a Carer’s Benefit payment and Carer's Leave on 19 August 2022 and they will have used both their full Carer’s Benefit and Leave entitlement (104 weeks) on 14 August 2024.

As the person concerned was in receipt of Class A PRSI contributions when they commenced Carer's Leave their entitlement to these contributions shall continue for the period they are in receipt of Carer’s Benefit.  It is open to the person concerned to apply for Carer's Allowance when their Carer’s Benefit payment ceases.  If the person concerned is deemed to meet the qualifying conditions for Carer’s Allowance, they shall receive a weekly payment and they can apply to this Department for PRSI credits.  These credits will count towards any further social welfare entitlements in the future.  

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Code

Questions (758, 759)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

758. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection when the earnings disregard for disability allowance was last increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14263/24]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

759. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection when the capital disregard for disability allowance was last increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14264/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 758 and 759 together.

My Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability.  These include contributory payments based on PRSI contributions, such as Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension, and non-contributory payments based on a means test, such as Disability Allowance.

Disability Allowance is a payment for people who are aged between 16 and 66 with an injury, disease or disability that has continued, or may be expected to continue, for at least one year and, as a result of this disability, the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable.  The allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency requirement.

The Disability Allowance capital disregard was increased to €50,000 in 2007.  This disregard is one of the highest among social welfare schemes.  This means that the first €50,000 of capital or savings is fully disregarded.  The next €10,000 is assessed at €1 per thousand, the following €10,000 is assessed at €2 per thousand, with the remainder assessed at €4 per thousand. 

An earnings disregard enables those on a scheme to earn a certain amount of money without it having a negative impact on their means tested payment.  The earnings disregard for recipients of Disability Allowance is €165 per week, having been increased in Budgets 2021 and 2023.  In addition, 50% of earnings between €165 and €375 is also disregarded for the purpose of the means test.  A person can now earn a maximum of €505.10 per week and still keep a portion of their Disability Allowance payment.

Any proposals to further change the earnings  or the capital disregard for Disability Allowance would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Question No. 759 answered with Question No. 758.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (760)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

760. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection what the remaining length of time is in respect of the Department's contract for JobPath and when the contractual obligations with Seetec and Turas Nua expire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14265/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Referrals to the JobPath service ceased in June 2022 and the service is now  in a run-off phase.  The Department's contract for JobPath is expected to end in June 2024, following completion of the contract exit plan which is currently being progressed.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Insurance

Questions (761)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

761. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 463 of 12 December 2023, if the estimated revenue that would be raised in each of the years 2024 to 2030 for the rate increases specified are cumulative, for example, the revenue raised of €913 million in 2028 from a 0.2 percentage point increase in the Class A rate of Employers PRSI includes the revenue generated from rate increases in prior years); and, if so, to provide the same table with revenue generated in each year on a non-cumulative basis. [14278/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The table provided in response to parliamentary question no. 463 of 12 December 2023 showed the estimated additional PRSI yields in each of the individual years 2024 to 2030 and not cumulative year on year. To take the example provided in the question, the €913 million additional yield in the class A rate of employer PRSI in 2028 represents the additional yield on earnings in that year arising from the 0.7% increase in the PRSI rate which would be in effect in that year, compared with the position where none of the rate increases from 2024-2028 had occurred.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Questions (762)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

762. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to widen eligibility to the long-term caring contribution scheme, to allow for caring periods under 20 years to be eligible for long-term caring contributions for the purposes of the State pension (contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14281/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

This Government acknowledges the important role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the State Pension system currently gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period outside of paid employment, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role.

Despite these measures, some long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension (Contributory). This was recognised by the Pension Commission in its report which recommended that long-term carers should be given access to the State Pension (Contributory) and defined long-term caring as caring for more than 20 years. It was also recognised that long-term carers may, for example, have difficulty establishing the minimum number of 10 year’s (520) paid contributions.

As the Deputy is aware, I introduced long-term carer's contributions from the 1st January 2024 as one of a number of key State pension reforms. In keeping with the recommendations of the Pensions Commission, long-term carer's contributions can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person for a period of 20 years or more. These contributions will be treated the same as paid contributions for State Pension (Contributory) entitlement only and can be used to satisfy the minimum 520 contributions condition.

A person with less than 20 years caring may be entitled to avail of home caring periods subject to existing qualification conditions of having 520 paid contributions. A combination of 20 years home caring periods and 20 years paid contributions can be used to qualify for a full rate pension.

In the case of a person who reaches age 66 and does not have sufficient contributions to qualify for a full pension, they will now have the option to work for longer to build up additional entitlements.

If a person has less than 10 years PRSI reckonable paid contributions, they may be able to use this period of deferral to establish entitlement. A person will also have the option to continue working between age 66 and 70 and receive an actuarially based increase in their weekly payment rate, should they choose to defer their State Pension (Contributory).

Finally, the situation remains unchanged where a person reaches State Pension age and does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for State Pension (Contributory) or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one of the following:

The means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) which is a means-tested payment (based on their share of household means) with a maximum payment of 95% of the State Pension (Contributory); or

An increase for a qualified adult (based on their own means), amounting up to 90% of a full rate State Pension (Contributory) where their spouse has a contributory pension; or

Where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which they may claim either based on their spouse's or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer contributions paid (260) than the SPC for the maximum personal rate for those aged 66 or over.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Business Supports

Questions (763)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

763. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered providing a grant to businesses to increase accessibility in their premises for wheelchair users and other persons with mobility impairments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14360/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department provides a wide range of income and employment supports to assist jobseekers and employees with disabilities, and their employers.  These supports include the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and the Disability Awareness Support Scheme.

The Reasonable Accommodation Fund provides financial support for people with disabilities and for employers to help make their workplaces more accessible.  One of the supports available currently under this scheme is the Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant which provides funding towards modifications such as ramps to increase accessibility for wheelchair users and others with mobility issues. 

In August 2023 I published a review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme and my officials have been working on a reformed scheme based on the recommendations from this review.  This new set of supports will make increased funding available for workplace adaptations and I will also be opening the scheme to other employers, for example the community and voluntary sector.  The new scheme will be available later this month.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Questions (764)

Michael Creed

Question:

764. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details provided) is entitled to a six-week payment after the death of their father. [14366/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

When a person in receipt of state pension non-contributory dies, their pension payment may continue for a period of 6 weeks after death, if the person's surviving spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment, or if the deceased's pension payment included an increase for qualified adult, in respect of their surviving spouse, civil partner or cohabitant.

A cohabitant means a cohabitant within the meaning of section 172(1) of the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010.

As a child of the person concerned, notwithstanding that he was living with the deceased, he is not eligible for a six weeks after death payment of his late father's state pension non-contributory.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Code

Questions (765)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

765. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason foster carers are not acknowledged as being carers, and cannot claim for a stamp or credits towards a State pension (contributory) and other State supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14387/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

It is not the case that foster carers are not acknowledged as carers because they are.

This Government acknowledges the important role that all carers, including Foster carers, play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system provides measures including PRSI credits, Home-making Disregards and Home Caring Periods to recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate subject to the qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory).

Foster carers are entitled to the benefits of the Home-maker's Scheme or Home Caring Periods and will qualify if the carer is in receipt of Child Benefit. If the foster carer is not in receipt of Child Benefit, they can still qualify for Home-maker's Scheme or Home Caring Periods provided the caring periods are confirmed by Tusla.

Despite these measures, some long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension (Contributory). They may for example have difficulty establishing the minimum number of 520 paid contributions.

As the Deputy is aware, I introduced long-term carer's contributions from the 1st January 2024 as one of a number of key State pension reforms. In keeping with the recommendations of the Pensions Commission, long-term carer's contributions can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person for a period of 20 years or more. These contributions will be treated the same as paid contributions for State Pension (Contributory) entitlement only and can be used to satisfy the minimum 520 contributions condition.

Foster Carers who have cared for an incapacitated dependent or dependents for over 20 years will also benefit from this important change.

Finally, the situation remains unchanged where a person reaches State Pension age and does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for State Pension (Contributory) or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one of the following:

The means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) which is a means-tested payment (based on their share of household means) with a maximum payment of 95% of the State Pension (Contributory); or

An increase for a qualified adult (based on their own means), amounting up to 90% of a full rate State Pension (Contributory) where their spouse has a contributory pension; or

where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which they may claim either based on their spouse's or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer contributions paid (260) than the SPC for the maximum personal rate for those aged 66 or over.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (766, 768, 786, 787, 799)

Seán Canney

Question:

766. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will increase the moving-in grant to €6,000 for new-build accommodation to reflect the reality of providing flooring, kitchen appliances, and bedroom and living room furniture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14395/24]

Bríd Smith

Question:

768. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to increase the current grant of €3,000 to cover costs such as flooring and white goods to help families moving out of homeless accommodation into new-build social homes which are often completely bare, in light of the increases in costs around the provision and installation of flooring, white goods etc.; if she will acknowledge that this amount is no longer adequate to provide the necessary items for families often leaving homelessness with nothing; if she will consider raising this grant substantially; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14402/24]

Seán Haughey

Question:

786. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will increase the move in supplementary welfare allowance for those moving from homeless accommodation into new-build bare style housing, which has been allocated to them by their local council, from €3,000 to €6,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14735/24]

Richard Bruton

Question:

787. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered the costs for a homeless family being rehoused in unfurnished accommodation; whether the present ceiling of €3,000 for establishment costs adequately reflects the true cost of a family setting up home; and if she would consider establishing a higher limit. [14742/24]

Paul Murphy

Question:

799. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of an email she received (details supplied); if she will consider its contents and increase this grant payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14909/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 766, 768, 786, 787 and 799 together.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.

The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need.

This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.

Where a tenant cannot furnish their property from within their household resources, the person can apply for an Additional Needs Payment to assist them in furnishing the property. The level of furnishings and appliances required will depend on an assessment of size and nature of the proposed property, the expected level of occupancy and items already available to the customer.

There is no set limit on the level of assistance that may be provided as every case is based on the individual circumstances and needs of the household.

I consider the current assessment process used in determining these claims for assistance with the costs of furnishing a property to be a fair and equitable approach for any person wishing to make an Additional Needs Payment application as it ensures that support is provided to people with the greatest financial need.

Any person who considers that 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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.

Social Insurance

Questions (767)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

767. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 463 of 12 December 2023, the estimated revenue that will be raised in each of the years 2024 to 2030 by the proposed increases in all classes of PRSI, disaggregated by PRSI class, employer, employee and self-employed, in each scenario (details supplied), in tabular form. [14401/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The tables below set out the estimated PRSI yield that would be raised for each of the rate increases in the years concerned.

In calculating the estimated yield from the specified employer PRSI rates on the portion of earnings in excess of €100,000 for classes A,B,C,D,E and H a 'netting off' approach has been taken to ensure there is no double-counting. The net yield is the difference between the "in excess of €100,000 rate" and the "standard" employer PRSI rates specified by the Deputy for classes A,B,C,D,E and H in the table.

These estimates do not take into account any possible behavioural changes in response to the higher PRSI rates being modelled.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Scenario A:

PRSI classes	2024 rate	2024 full-year estimated yield	2025 rate	2025 full-year estimated yield	2026 rate	2026 full-year estimated yield	2027 rate	2027 full-year estimated yield	2028 rate	2028 full-year estimated yield	2029 rate	2029 full-year estimated yield	2030 rate	2030 full-year estimated yield
A (employee)	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
A (employer)	8.8%/11.05%	0	8.8%/11.05%	0	9.1%/11.35%	360	9.4%/11.65%	750	9.9%/12.15%	1430	9.9%/12.15%	1490	9.9%/12.15%	1540
B (employee)	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
B (employer)	2.01%	0	2.01%	0	2.31%	0	2.61%	10	3.01%	10	3.01%	10	3.01%	10
C (employee)	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
C (employer)	1.85%	0	1.85%	0	2.15%	0	2.45%	0	2.95%	0	2.95%	0	2.95%	0
D (employee)	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
D (employer)	2.35%	0	2.35%	0	2.65%	10	2.95%	20	3.45%	40	3.45%	40	3.45%	40
E (employee)	3.33%	0	3.33%	0	3.33%	0	3.33%	0	3.33%	0	3.33%	0	3.33%	0
E (employer)	6.87%	0	6.87%	0	7.17%	0	7.47%	0	7.97%	0	7.97%	0	7.97%	0
H (employee)	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
H (employer)	10.35%	0	10.35%	0	10.65%	0	10.95%	0	11.45%	10	11.45%	10	11.45%	10
Employer PRSI: Classes A, B, C, D, E & H on the portion of individual incomes in excess of €100,000*	13.05%	260	13.55%	330	14.05%	370	14.55%	410	15.05%	430	15.05%	450	15.05%	460
J	0.50%	0	0.50%	0	0.50%	0	0.50%	0	0.50%	0	0.50%	0	0.50%	0
K	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
M	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0
S	4.10%	20	4.20%	30	4.35%	60	4.50%	100	4.70%	140	4.70%	150	4.70%	150
P	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
Total		280		360		800		1290		2060		2150		2210

Scenario B:

PRSI classes	2024 rate	2024 full-year estimated yield	2025 rate	2025 full-year estimated yield	2026 rate	2026 full-year estimated yield	2027 rate	2027 full-year estimated yield	2028 rate	2028 full-year estimated yield	2029 rate	2029 full-year estimated yield	2030 rate	2030 full-year estimated yield
A (employee)	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
A (employer)	8.9%/11.15%	110	9%/11.25%	230	9.1%/11.35%	360	9.2%/11.45%	500	9.3%/11.55%	650	9.3%/11.55%	680	9.3%/11.55%	700
B (employee)	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
B (employer)	2.11%	0	2.21%	0	2.31%	0	2.41%	0	2.51%	10	2.51%	10	2.51%	10
C (employee)	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
C (employer)	1.95%	0	2.05%	0	2.15%	0	2.25%	0	2.35%	0	2.35%	0	2.35%	0
D (employee)	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
D (employer)	2.45%	0	2.55%	10	2.65%	10	2.75%	10	2.85%	20	2.85%	20	2.85%	20
E (employee)	3.33%	0	3.33%	0	3.33%	0	3.33%	0	3.33%	0	3.33%	0	3.33%	0
E (employer)	6.97%	0	7.07%	0	7.17%	0	7.27%	0	7.37%	0	7.37%	0	7.37%	0
H (employee)	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
H (employer)	10.45%	0	10.55%	0	10.65%	0	10.75%	0	10.85%	0	10.85%	0	10.85%	0
Employer PRSI: Classes A, B, C, D, E & H on the portion of individual incomes in excess of €100,000*	13.05%	240	13.55%	300	14.05%	370	14.55%	440	15.05%	520	15.05%	540	15.05%	550
J	0.50%	0	0.50%	0	0.50%	0	0.50%	0	0.50%	0	0.50%	0	0.50%	0
K	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
M	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0	0%	0
S	4.10%	20	4.20%	30	4.35%	60	4.50%	100	4.70%	140	4.70%	150	4.70%	150
P	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0	4.00%	0
Total		370		570		800		1050		1340		1400		1430

*revenue generated with respect to the rates of employer PRSI across classes A, B, C, D, E and H on the portion of individual incomes in excess of €100,000 net the revenue generated with respect to the standard rates of employer PRSI across classes A, B, C, D, E and H.

Question No. 768 answered with Question No. 766.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (769)

Michael Creed

Question:

769. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm receipt of the necessary details in respect of an invalidity pension review (details supplied); and when a decision can be expected in this case. [14410/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Invalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

The Department periodically carries out reviews to ensure continuing eligibility and to confirm that the qualifying conditions for IP continue to be fulfilled. A medical review of the customer in question was initiated on 1 March 2024 with the issuing of a self diagnostic report (Form MR99). On 27 March 2024, following an examination of the medical evidence submitted,  the person concerned was requested to supply further medical evidence. Once this is returned, it will be assessed by the Medical Assessors and the customer will be informed, in writing, of the outcome, in due course. The customer’s Invalidity Pension remains in payment while the review is ongoing.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Personal Public Service Numbers

Questions (770)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

770. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when a PPS number will be issued in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14412/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number that helps a person access social welfare benefits and public services in Ireland. To get a PPS Number, a person must provide evidence of their identity, why they need a PPS Number and their address.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for a PPS Number on 27/03/2024. The application was referred back to the person’s MyWelfare account on 28/03/2024 and 02/04/2024 requesting that they provide evidence of a valid reason for their PPS Number request and advised that a list of valid reasons is available on www.gov.ie.

To date, my Department has not received the requested information, therefore, the person’s application for a PPS Number has not been progressed. When the necessary information is received, the person’s application will be assessed, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (771)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

771. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in a review in the case of a person (details supplied); the extent to which they can qualify for carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14414/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Carer'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.

I confirm that an application for CA was received from the person concerned on 27 November 2023.

A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses for a maximum of 18.5 hours, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.

It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant’s means are less than the statutory limit.

Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.

The application for CA was disallowed on the grounds that person concerned was engaged in employment for more than 18.5 hours per week and their means were determined to exceed the statutory limit.

The person concerned was notified on 19 January 2024 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.

A review of this decision was requested, and the outcome of the review was that the means of the person concerned are now within the statutory limit.  However, the person concerned remains engaged in employment over the maximum allowable hours of 18.5 hours.  As this condition is not satisfied, the review was disallowed.

The person concerned was notified on 25 March 2024 of this decision, the reason for it and of their right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (772)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

772. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which arrangements can be made for the recovery of overpayment in the case of a person (details supplied) who is awaiting update of tax-free allowances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14418/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Person Concerned has been assessed with an overpayment of 767.40 Euro and was issued with a Deduction Recovery Plan letter on the 14th of March 2024. This letter entitles the Person Concerned to submit a proposal to their Deciding Officer as to the possible figure they are financially comfortable to repay. They should complete this comment section and return it to their Deciding Officer who will consider and make a final decision.

As the Person Concerned is no longer in receipt of a Jobseekers Payment they will also be given the opportunity to set up a standing order, repay in a single transaction, pay online or attend their Local Intreo Office and repay there.

Social Welfare Benefits

Questions (773)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

773. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment of illness benefit will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14430/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

There was a delay in payment to the person concerned as they were transferring from Partial Capacity Benefit back to Illness Benefit. 

This has been processed and their Illness Benefit claim is now in payment. Arrears have issued paying them fully up to date, and their weekly payment is due each Thursday going forward.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Questions (774)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

774. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the entitlements to illness benefit for a person (details supplied); if their situation was addressed in the post-Brexit settlement between Ireland and the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14436/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Under the bilateral agreements between the United Kingdom and Ireland, periods of insurable  employment in the UK may be used to help satisfy the contribution conditions for Illness Benefit if a person is not entitled by using their Irish record only.  This means the department can take periods of employment in the UK into account when determining entitlement to Illness Benefit.  However, in order to do so, a person must have last worked in Ireland and paid PRSI at the appropriate class i.e. Class A, E, H or P. 

The person concerned was most recently in insurable employment in the UK and, as such, their claim is proper to the UK.  Their claim details have been sent to our EU Records section who will, in turn, forward them to the relevant UK authorities. 

I trust this clarifies the position for you.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (775)

Michael Creed

Question:

775. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the current situation regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance by a person (details supplied). [14485/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a Domiciliary Care Allowance appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11th January 2024. 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 have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 28th February 2024 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (776)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

776. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection the further options available to an individual (details supplied) who has had their IQA appeal disallowed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14526/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on the 11th August 2022.

The Social Welfare Appeals system is underpinned by Chapter 2 of Part 10 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 and the Social Welfare (Appeals) Regulations (SI 108/98). This legislation sets down the roles, powers, functions etc. of the Social Welfare Appeals Office and its Appeals Officers. Appeals Officers and the Social Welfare Appeals Office are required to operate within the powers and boundaries set down in this legislation.

Under the legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed under section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 by an Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. If there is any new evidence or new facts pertinent to this case that were not brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer during the determination of the appeal, they may be submitted to this office for consideration.

The Chief Appeals Officer has power under section 318 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 to revise any decision where it appears to her that the Appeals Officer’s decision was erroneous by reason of some mistake having been made in relation to the law or the facts.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Code

Questions (777)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

777. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection how a person who is expected to receive financial compensation due to having two faulty hip replacements implanted will be treated for their current social protection benefits mindful of the current means test for persons in receipt of disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14547/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Social welfare legislation provides that means tests take account of the income and assets of the person (and their spouse or partner, if applicable) applying for the relevant scheme.  The means assessment includes income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions and maintenance payments.  It also includes property owned other than the family home and capital such as savings, shares, and other investments.

Social welfare legislation provides for the disregard of certain compensation awards when assessing the means of a person.

These disregards include, for example, all income derived from payments awarded by the Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal, the Residential Institutions Redress Board and payments made in relation to disability caused by Thalidomide. 

In addition, ex gratia payments made to women who were admitted to and worked in the Magdalen Laundries, or through the Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme, or payments made by the Minister of Health in accordance with recommendations proposed by the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme are also disregarded.

All compensation or court awards which are not specifically provided for in social welfare legislation are assessed in the normal manner.  However, most social assistance schemes have an initial capital disregard of €20,000.  In the case of Disability Allowance, the first €50,000 of capital is disregarded.

Any changes to the means assessment of social assistance schemes would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.