Thursday, 6 Feb 2025

Written Answers Nos. 151-168

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Pension Provisions

Questions (151)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

151. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection regarding the transfer of occupational pensions to other EU jurisdictions under the IORP II Directive (Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision Directive), to provide the number of transfer requests and accompanying declarations signed by the individual concerned that have been submitted each year since 2012 to 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3676/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The Pensions Authority does not receive any declarations and does not approve any transfers to overseas arrangements for individual scheme members and individual PRSA contributors. The requirements to be in a position to process such a transfer payment to an overseas arrangement are on the trustees of the pension scheme or the PRSA provider, as the case may be, and are set out in the Occupational Pension Schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (Overseas Transfer Payments) Regulations, 2003: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2003/si/716

At a scheme (i.e. IORP) level, the authorisation requirements to operate an IORP on a cross-border basis within the European Economic Area (EEA), including for transfers between transferring and receiving IORPs, are set out in Part XII of the Pensions Act, 1990, as amended. The IORP II Directive was transposed into Irish law on 22 April 2021 under the European Union (Occupational Pension Schemes) Regulations 2021 and Part XII of Pensions Act, 1990 was amended to provide for the requirements for IORP cross-border activity within the EEA.

At the end of 2022, which is the most up-to-date information available, there were 31 active cross-border IORPs operating within the EEA, 9 of which have a connection to Ireland as follows:

• 4 active cross-border IORPs are regulated by the Pensions Authority i.e. are authorised in Ireland and include members in other Member States.

• 9 active cross-border IORPs are regulated by a competent authority in another Member State and have cross border activity with Ireland i.e. have members in Ireland. The home member states for these IORPS are Belgium (8) and Luxembourg (1).

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (152)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

152. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the carer’s allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3616/25]

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 1st April 2024.

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.

A request for a section 318 review was made to the Chief Appeals Officer on 12th November 2024. The person concerned will be notified directly when the Chief Appeals Officer’s decision becomes available.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (153)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

153. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to a fuel allowance application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3685/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Fuel Allowance is a means tested payment to help with the cost of heating a home during the winter months, payable to people who either live alone or only with certain other qualified people.

An application for Fuel Allowance was received from the person concerned on 03 January 2025.

The application was assessed by a Deciding Officer. The claim was disallowed, because the household included people who are not eligible for the purposes of Fuel Allowance.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 04 February 2025.

If there any changes in the circumstances of the person concerned which they think might qualify them for Fuel Allowance they may submit a new application form or request a review.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (154)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

154. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to a domiciliary care allowance appeal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3687/25]

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 an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 5th June 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 10th June 2024.

This case is currently with an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.

Significant efforts and resources have been devoted to reforming the appeal process in recent years and further improvements in appeals processing times are a priority for the Chief Appeals Officer. There is active engagement between the Appeals Office and the Department to ensure that the appeals process operates efficiently and additional resource have been provide for this purpose to the Appeals service.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Artificial Intelligence

Questions (155)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

155. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a detailed breakdown of all funding allocated for the year ahead or spent in the past fiscal year by his Department on artificial intelligence systems or artificial intelligence research; what programmes or Department operations are conducted using artificial intelligence tools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3715/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department is currently examining the potential future use of A.I. technologies. This has involved active participation in several stakeholder groups, providing observations to The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the EU AI Act drafts and its implementation.

An A.I. Chatbot on the MyGovID platform is in use, providing real-time advice to customers on how best to use the MyGovID service, with approximate monthly charges of €50. As part of an internal review of Microsoft Office services in the Department, a small number of users are temporarily piloting an upgrade, which includes limited integration of A.I tools within the suite as standard.

No specific project funding for A.I. was allocated in 2024 or for 2025. The potential use of A.I. is under consideration, subject to an assessment of need, development of a business case and approval of a proof of concept. Funding allocated for any A.I. project would be considered in conjunction with the other business needs and priorities of the Department and in accordance with procurement procedures.

The Department will continue to examine the merits of A.I. suitability for departmental needs.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (156)

Thomas Gould

Question:

156. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection whether a person can receive domiciliary carer's allowance past a child's sixteenth birthday or whether the child is required to apply for disability allowance. [3718/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My department provides the Domiciliary Care Allowance which is a monthly non-means tested payment to a parent or guardian for a child aged up to 16 who has a severe disability and requires care and attention substantially over and above that required by other children their age.

From January 2025, the rate of Domiciliary Care Allowance increased from €340 to €360 per month. As of December, there were 57,132 families in receipt of the payment in relation to 64,429 children. Expenditure in 2025 is estimated at over €301 million.

Domiciliary Care Allowance ceases to be payable when a child reaches 16 years of age. The young person can then apply for Disability Allowance if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Disability Allowance is a long-term disability payment which is subject to a means test, medical assessment and a habitual residency requirement.

One of the key proposals in the Green Paper on Disability Reform, which my predecessor published in September 2023, was to extend Domiciliary Care Allowance to 18 years of age. In line with this change, the Paper proposed to also raise the qualifying age for Disability Allowance to age 18.

The Green Paper was a consultation document. Based on the feedback received during the public consultation, it became clear that there were significant concerns about the proposals in the Green Paper. Among these concerns, people in particular questioned whether it was appropriate to reform the system of disability payments separate to a wider consideration of other challenges faced by people with disabilities, including transport, health, education and access to employment.

The Department responded to these concerns and, in April 2024, it was announced that the proposals would not proceed any further.

As outlined in the Programme for Government - Securing Ireland's Future - the Government is committed to advancing the rights and improving the lives of people with disabilities.

A new Cabinet Committee on Children and Education and Disability was established last year. Any reform of disability payments, including Domiciliary Care Allowance, are being considered as part of this broader review of disability matters on a whole-of-government basis and will take account of the feedback received during the Green Paper process.

I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (157)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

157. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on when a final decision will be made on an application for domiciliary care allowance and the associated travel pass for the son of the person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3741/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable to a parent / guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of the child's disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months. This level of care and attention must be required to allow the child to deal with the activities of daily living in areas such as mobility, personal care, feeding / diet, communication, speech / language, sleeping, behaviour, safety, sensory issues, including any other additional needs.

Eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the type of disability or diagnosis but primarily on the impact of the child's disability, in terms of the associated overall level of care and attention required by the child compared to a child of a similar age who does not have such a disability. The decision process that applies in the consideration of whether a child meets the conditions for DCA includes the examination of all relevant factors identified as impacting on the child's additional care needs.

An application for DCA in respect of the child concerned was received by my Department on 24 July 2024. A Deciding Officer disallowed the claim as per decision dated 09 September 2024. Based on the information provided, the child was not considered to satisfy the conditions for DCA. This determination considered the supporting medical evidence that was provided by the applicant in their application. The Deciding Officer also had regard to the professional opinion of a departmental Medical Assessor in making their decision and a copy of this opinion was issued to the applicant for information along with the decision notification.

The applicant requested a review of the above decision. Following a review of their application in respect of the child concerned, including all information and evidence available at the time of the original decision and all further information and documentary evidence that was provided in support of their review request, a Deciding Officer decided not to revise the above decision as per review decision dated 27 November 2024. No further requests for a review and/or appeal of the decision have been received.

Please note there is no associated travel pass available with the Domiciliary Care Allowance payment.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (158, 159)

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

158. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is additional support available for women on maternity leave who have been temporarily relegated to half-rate carer’s allowance, but for most of that period will be in a position to provide full-time care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3742/25]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

159. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to provide additional supports for women on maternity leave who have been relegated to half-rate carer’s allowance temporarily, but for most of that period will be in a position to provide full-time care, for example, additional child support payments, fuel allowances, and so on, given the additional income pressures they face; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3743/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.

The key role of the Department of Social Protection is that of income support for people experiencing specific contingencies that limit their ability to earn an income. These contingencies include unemployment, illness/disability and caring responsibilities. These payments reflect the fact that, people experiencing these contingencies cannot earn, or can earn only a limited employment income. The payments are accordingly intended to provide an income support to people who have no other means or resources to rely upon.

The Irish social welfare system is underpinned by a general principle of one person, one payment. Normally people qualifying for two social welfare payments only receive the higher payment for which they are eligible. However, there are a limited number of exceptions where a person may receive another payment. One such exception is half-rate Carer’s Allowance.

This arrangement allows people in receipt of particular social welfare payments, who are providing full-time care and attention, to retain their main payment and receive another payment, depending on their means, the maximum of which is equivalent to a half-rate Carer’s Allowance. A carer, in the case outlined by the Deputy, may be eligible for payment by my Department of both the full weekly rate of Maternity Benefit (currently at €289), as well as a Half-rate Carer’s Allowance - currently €130 for those aged under 66 and caring for one person.

In addition, if the Maternity Benefit recipient has adult or child dependants, they may also be entitled to an Increase for a Qualified Adult at a weekly rate of €162, along with Child Support Payments, paid at a rate of €50 per week for any children under 12 or €62 per week for children aged 12 or over. The set rate of Maternity Benefit is compared to the rate of Illness Benefit that would be paid to them if they were absent from work through illness. The higher of the two rates is paid.

It is important to note that some employers will continue to pay an employee, in full, while the employee is on maternity leave. In such cases, the Maternity Benefit is mandated to the employer. An employee’s contract of employment will outline the employer’s agreed financial contribution to the employee while they are on maternity or parent’s leave.

I can assure the Deputy that I will keep the range of income supports provided by my department under constant review. However, any further changes to income supports provided could only be considered in an overall policy and Budgetary context.

I trust that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.

Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 158.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (160)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

160. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if he can explain the decision to decline disability allowance for a young lady (details supplied) who has been receiving domiciliary care allowance for over ten years, despite no change in her medical condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3745/25]

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, a means test and the habitual residency conditions.

Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of that disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months. The person concerned was a care recipient on DCA until they reached 16.

There is no automatic transition from DCA to DA. An application must be made for DA and the individual will have to satisfy the qualifying criteria of this scheme. The qualifying conditions for DA differ from those applying to DCA.

I confirm that the department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 19 November 2024. Based on the evidence supplied with the person’s application, her DA was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied.

The person concerned was notified of the decision in writing on 11 December 2024 and advised of their entitlement to request a review and/or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

On foot of further medical evidence submitted on 18 December 2024, a review of the decision was undertaken. Following an examination of additional medical evidence, the original decision was upheld. On 9 January 2025, the person concerned was notified of the decision and advised of their entitlement to request a further review and/or to appeal the decision.

A request to appeal the decision to disallow the DA of the person concerned was received on 20 January 2025. Additional correspondence containing further medical evidence, received on 23 January 2025 also requested a review and appeal.

I can confirm that a review of the case is currently being undertaken by both the DA section and the SWAO. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome in due course.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Staff

Questions (161)

Alan Kelly

Question:

161. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of WTE quantity surveyors employed by his Department as of 30 January 2025; and if he provide same figures as of 31 December 2022, in tabular form. [3759/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department has not employed any quantity surveyors as of 30 January 2025.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (162)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

162. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the details of each time his Department, or public bodies under the aegis of his Department, enlisted the services of consultants in 2023 and 2024; the purpose, value, and duration of each contract in relation to public bodies under the aegis of his Department, including where consulting contracts are classified under ‘business-as-usual outsourcing’ for annual reporting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3790/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Consultancy is defined by the Department of Finance as where a person or organisation provides intellectual or knowledge-based services (e.g. expert analysis and advice) through delivering reports, studies, assessments, recommendations, proposals, etc. that contribute to decision making or policy development.

Details as requested by the Deputy are set out below.

Consultants enlisted by the Department of Social Protection in 2023 & 2024.

Contractor	Purpose	Value and duration of each contract
KOSI corporation	Provision of Cost and Management Accounting Services	February 20242 years €347,106
KPMG	Strategic Workforce Planning Consultancy	April 20243 years€1,681,355
MCCP	Consultancy to Support a Refresh/Review of DSP Values	September 20241 year€239,439
Indecon International Economic Consultants	Review of the Local Area Employment Service	October 20249 months€123,000
Social Finance Limited	Consultancy for Employment Service for people with a disability	February 202318 months€30,750
Price Waterhouse Coopers	Accounting, Audit and Financial Advisory Services	June 20232 years€99,630
Mazars	IS Audit Services	November 20233 years€161,438
Align Advisory Ltd	Interim Central Processing Authority Development Work for Investment Consultancy Services for the Auto-Enrolment Project	December 20236 Months€50,000

The details above relate to contracts awarded in 2023 and 2024. A breakdown of the annual expenditure on consultancy is published on the Gov.ie website at: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/48366f-department-of-employment-affairs-and-social-protection-policy-on-pro/#what-we-purchase

Consultants enlisted by the Pensions Authority in 2023 & 2024

Name of Consultant	Purpose	Value and duration of each contract
PwC Ireland	Pensions and regulatory consultancy	May 2024Once off consultancy€6,090
D3P Global	Pension scheme supervision consultancy services	October 20244 years €492,000
Quietroom	Consultancy on development of a supervisory communications strategy	May 2023Once off consultancy €5,000
Lisney Ltd	Professional Estate Agent advice on sourcing new office space due to current lease expiring	May 20234 Years €123,000
Eversheds Sutherland	Provision of Legal Advisory Services to the Pensions Authority	December 20224 Years€199,493.70
A&L Goodbody	Provision of Legal Advisory Services to the Pensions Authority	December 20224 Years€179,940.83
Mason, Hayes & Curran	Provision of Legal Advisory Services to the Pensions Authority	December 20224 Years€90,097.50
McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors	Provision of Legal Advisory Services to the Pensions Authority	December 20224 Years€7,995.00
Bid Services	Procurement consultancy	June 20234 Years€24,600
Byrne Wallace LLP	Employment Law advisory services	September 20234 years€49,200

Consultants enlisted by the Pensions Council in 2023 & 2024

Name of Consultant	Purpose	Value and duration of each contract
Paragon Research Limited	Review of Alternative Auto-enrolment Proposal	July 20236 months€50,430
KPMG Global Strategy Group	Report on Retirement Living Standards	November 2023 9 Months€98,000

Consultants enlisted by the Citizens Information Board in 2023 & 2024

Name of Consultant	Purpose	Value and duration of each contract
Adare HRM	HR Consultancy	4 years from 2024 €25,000
CA Compliance Limited	Governance and HR Compliance services	4 years from 2024 €25,000
Cushman & Wakefield	Property valuation services	January 2024Once off€9,225
Indecon	Service evaluation and development of a Service User Impact Framework	Service evaluation – Once off 2024€61,500. Service User Impact 2 years from 2024, €169,895 (Net of VAT).
Innovative Procurement Solutions	Procurement advice and support	4 years from 2024,€100,000 (Net of VAT).
Joe McDermott	IR support	4 years from 2023 €25,000 (Net of VAT).
Kevin Duffy	IR support	4 years from 2024, €25,000 (Net of VAT).
Morley Economic Consulting	Research Social policy insight reports	November 2024Once off €23,247.
Murray Consultants	Communications support	4 years from 2024, €320,000 (Net of VAT).
QRE	Outsourced rent reviews	August 2024Once off €18,450.
Risk and Resilience Ltd	Business continuity plan consultancy	September 2024Once off €32,560 (Net of VAT).
Symmetry Solutions Limited	Data protection services	September 2024Once off €6,150.
The 4OC Limited	Digital strategy development	2 years from 2024€92,700 (Net of VAT).
Acrux Consulting Ltd	Mediation services	October 2023Once off €2,542.
Bearingpoint	Consultancy services	2 years from 2022€144,000 (Net of VAT).
Carr Communications	Communications support	2023€7,085
Innovative Procurement Solutions	Procurement advice and support	4 years from 2024€100,000 (Net of VAT).
Lionheart Mgmt Consultants Ltd	Board evaluation	March 2023Once off €22,140.
Lisney	Property valuation services	March 2023Once off €4,059
QRE	Outsourced rent reviews	November 2023Once off €10,455.
Public Authority Pension Services	Outsourced pensions advice	4 years from 2022€25,000 (Net of VAT)
Holmes O Malley Sexton	Legal services to CIB	4 years from 2022€100,000 (Net of VAT)

The procurement of consultancy services is essential to support my Department in providing high quality service to the public in a cost effective and efficient manner. All expenditure is closely monitored, and companies are only engaged for essential work, following a rigorous assessment of need and where the required competencies do not exist in-house.

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (163)

Ged Nash

Question:

163. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasons his Department has changed its policy on blended work for staff of his Department; the rationale for the change; what it will mean for staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3841/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department is supportive of blended working and was one of the first to introduce a blended working policy. This Policy, developed in line with the Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organizations, offers a varied attendance model, depending on the staff role and business needs.

The ability to effectively meet the needs of each business area and ensuring high-quality delivery of customer service are critical considerations in determining blended working arrangements and the policy is reviewed on an ongoing basis.

In 2024 the minimum number of days for staff to attend the office was one day per week. Of the approximately 7,000 employees of the department, 12% had an arrangement to attend on this basis whilst the remainder attend the office between two and five days per week. Following consideration of the experience of blended working and prior to the commencement of the annual process for staff applications, it was decided to increase the minimum office attendance to two days per week, with effect from February 2025. This change is considered necessary to provide sufficient opportunity for in-person interaction with colleagues in order to sustain organisation knowledge exchange, culture, and provision of support to staff.

Social Welfare Appeals

Questions (164)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

164. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to a domiciliary care allowance appeal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3887/25]

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 an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 25th June 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 15th July 2024.

This case is currently with 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 Payments

Questions (165)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

165. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer's allowance review for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3890/25]

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 can confirm that two applications for CA were received from the person concerned on 23 August 2024, in respect of two care recipients.

As part of the decision process, the applications were referred for the professional opinion of a Department Medical Assessor. The claims were disallowed as the Deciding Officer, having regard to the opinion of the Medical Assessors, decided that the information supplied did not show that the two care recipients required full time care.

The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 01 October 2024. They were also notified of their right to have the decision reviewed (where further information is available) or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

A review was initiated on foot of correspondence received from the person concerned on 07 October 2024. Following this review, the person concerned was awarded CA in respect of the two care recipients from 29 August 2024.

The first payment issued to the nominated bank account of the person concerned on 30 January 2025. Arrears for the period 29 August 2024 to 29 January 2025 will issue shortly.

The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 22 January 2025.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Pension Provisions

Questions (166)

James O'Connor

Question:

166. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding advice sought, following a meeting with a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3917/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Dara Calleary)

As the Deputy is aware, a meeting between the then Taoiseach, the then Minister for Social Protection and representatives of the Waterford Crystal Pension Action Group took place in Government Buildings on 13 September 2024.

On foot of the meeting, the then Taoiseach asked the Attorney General to advise on the matter.

I understand that the advice has been received and is being considered.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (167)

James O'Connor

Question:

167. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has investigated the possibility of undertaking a review of the current means test for disability allowance to ensure that people affected by disability, who are marginally over the income threshold limit, are not left without adequate support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3918/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

My Department's primary disability related social assistance scheme is Disability Allowance, which is a means-tested payment for people with a specified disability who are aged between 16 and 66. In addition to the means test, in order to be eligible, the disability must be expected to last for at least one year. The allowance is also subject to a medical assessment and a habitual residency requirement.

Estimated expenditure on Disability Allowance for 2025 is expected to be almost €2.4 billion.

Social welfare legislation provides that, for means-tested social assistance schemes, all income and assets belonging to the claimant, and his or her spouse/partner where applicable, are assessable for means testing purposes. The purpose of the means test is to ensure that resources are directed to those with the greatest need for income supports by the State. It is the nature of means-tested schemes that above a certain level of means a person is not entitled to a payment, as it is deemed their own means are sufficient to provide for their needs.

It should be noted that Disability Allowance has one of the highest capital disregards operated by the Department of Social Protection. A recipient can have up to €50,000 in savings and still receive the full rate of payment. This is compared to €20,000 for most social welfare payments.

People on Disability Allowance can take up employment or self-employment and continue to receive all or part of their social welfare payment, depending on their income. A person can earn up to €165 a week and keep their full rate of Disability Allowance. Earnings between €165 and €375 from employment are assessed at 50%, and any earnings over €375 are fully assessed as means. This means that a person can earn up to €517.60 a week and still keep their entitlement to the minimum rate of Disability Allowance and their secondary benefits.

A review of means testing in the Department is underway. The outcome of the review will be used to inform decisions regarding any further changes to means testing. All prospective changes to means testing arrangements will have to be considered in both an overall policy and budgetary context.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Questions (168)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

168. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection to clarify rates of payment made under the humanitarian assistance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3929/25]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by my department through the local Community Welfare Service, was activated on the 23rd January 2025 to assist householders across the country affected by Storm Éowyn.

The purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to provide financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and, in some instances, structural repair.

My department provides assistance to households in the immediate aftermath of severe weather events under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. This includes emergency support payments for items such as essential food and clothing in the immediate aftermath of the event. These payments are not income tested and are based on the immediate need of impacted individuals.

Support is also available for the replacement of white goods and basic furniture and to repair damage to homes. Income limits for these supports are: €50,000 for a single person; €90,000 for a couple and €15,000 per dependent child.

Reduced or tapered levels of support may be provided in cases where a household‘s income is above these limits.

While there are no set limits for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, the level of support provided should reflect reasonable rates as decided by Community Welfare Officers.

It is important to note that my department remains available to provide financial support to people who do not have any power or water supply. This includes support to pay for alternative accommodation if necessary.

People who need assistance in the areas affected should contact their local Community Welfare Service by visiting their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, or phoning the Department at 0818 60 70 80 or emailing the Community Welfare Service at [e-mail].

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

• Written Answers Nos. 143-150
• Written Answers Nos. 169-184