Written Answers Nos. 1502-1521
1504. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the local authority housing vacancy figures for the year 2025, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2509/26]
View answer1505. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to detail the refurbishment timelines, per county, for bringing vacant local authority housing stock back in to use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2510/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1504 and 1505 together.
The management, letting and tenanting of local authority social homes is a matter for each individual local authority. Accordingly, detailed data on vacancy rates and stock turnaround times, including the minimum and average time taken to re-let vacant social homes, should be sought directly from the respective local authorities.
However, while such data are not routinely collected by my Department, data in relation to social housing stock, at a point in time, are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in its Annual Reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information, including levels of vacancy and average turnaround times for re-letting local authority owned properties.
The most recent NOAC report for 2024 is available at: www.noac.ie/noac_publications/report-77-noac-performance-indicator-report-2024/
1506. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has examined the introduction of a dedicated support scheme for parents with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1840/26]
View answerMy Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. These include non-contributory payments, based on a means test, such as Disability Allowance and contributory payments, based on PRSI contributions, such as Invalidity Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit. The purpose of these payments is to provide income support for people experiencing specific contingencies that limit their ability to earn an income.
Disability Allowance is a long-term social assistance scheme for people who are aged between 16 and 66. In order to qualify, the person must satisfy a habitual residency condition, a means test and meet the medical requirement. The medical requirement for disability allowance is that the person's disability must be expected to last for at least one year, and the disability must substantially restrict their ability to work.
Invalidity pension is a long-term social insurance scheme, based on PRSI contributions and medical condition. In order to qualify, the person must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months; or must be permanently incapable of work.
Where a recipient of Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension has child dependents they may also be eligible for a Child Support Payment which is paid in addition to a person's personal weekly rate of payment. Subject to the qualifying conditions Child Support Payments can be made until the child turns 18, or 22 if they are full-time education. Budget 2026, saw the highest ever increases in the Child Support Payment – an increase of €16 to €78 per week for children aged 12 or over, and of €8 to €58 per week for children under 12. These increases take effect from this month.
My Department supports all parents through the payment of Child Benefit which is paid at €140 per month in respect of each eligible child. The payment is paid up to age 16 or up to age 18 where the child remains in full time education or has a disability. In the case of twins, Child Benefit is paid and one-and-a-half times the normal monthly rate for each child. For triplets or other multiple births Child Benefit is paid at double the normal monthly rate for each child.
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. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers and are available to anyone who needs then and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Any parent 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 for Additional Needs Payments can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
1507. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the proposal that schools should have greater autonomy over the hot school meals programme, with any savings achieved through reduced waste retained at school level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2412/26]
View answerThe 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.
Under the School Meals Programme, the primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Programme in their school including handling the procurement process. The Schools Procurement Unit under the Department of Education and Youth, provides guidance to schools for all procurements including the School Meals Programme.
In terms of packaging and waste, under tender documentation, and as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the school meal supplier is responsible for operating policies which progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging. Depending on the school size and school meal requirements, the school will decide on the method and logistics that best meets their needs in line with environmental standards.
In addition, under tender documentation requirements, the school is committed to the principles of environmental management in its activities, and it encourages the implementation of sustainability principles in its procurement practices. The supplier should make all reasonable efforts to minimise adverse environmental impact in the methods of services delivery and in materials used.
Funding under this programme is solely for the School Meals Programme and cannot be redirected to other purposes.
Under the Programme for Government, I will continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, the reduction of food waste and the use of recyclable packaging.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
1508. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the case of a persons request (details supplied) to receive their social insurance contribution record from Australia to assist in their application for invalidity pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73900/25]
View answerInvalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The Department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on 17 May 2024. To qualify a claimant must have at least 260 paid PRSI contributions and 48 paid or credited in the governing contribution year. The person does not have the required Irish contributions, and the claim was refused on 20 May 2024.
As the person concerned had indicated previous employment in Australia, an application under the bilateral social security arrangements between Ireland and Australia was initiated. The completed application was forwarded to the Australian authorities on 4 March 2025, with a request for the person’s Australian contribution record to assess possible entitlement to a pro-rata IP payment.
Despite reminders on 10 June, 15 September, and 10 November 2025 and a further request on 8 January 2026, the Australian contribution record has not yet been received by my Department. The Australian authorities have sought additional details directly from the person concerned, which she has provided.
Claims processed under bilateral agreements typically take longer, as they depend on information from other States. The Department will continue to follow up and will notify the person concerned of the outcome as soon as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1509. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider changing the rules of the back to education allowance, as it applies to further education and training, FET, courses so that individuals who were unable to complete their original FET course are given a second chance to receive an allowance payment if they start a new course of study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73981/25]
View answerThe Back to Education Allowance provides income support for jobseekers and others in receipt of certain social welfare payments who pursue courses of education at further and higher level. The Government has provided over €33.2 million for the scheme in 2026.
Under the Back to Education Allowance a qualified person can take up a full-time course of study leading to a recognised qualification subject to meeting the eligibility criteria of the scheme. The scheme covers participation in a wide range of education and upskilling courses at further and higher level and the Department's Employment Personal Advisor works with the applicant to consider their options in line with their personal progression plan.
Customers who fail to complete or drop out of a course of study are not approved for a Back to Education Allowance payment to pursue a different course of study. However, customers may be eligible to continue their original course of study, if there were mitigating circumstances such as Illness, injury, caring responsibilities, etc., such that it would have been unreasonable to expect the customer to have continued the course. Alternatively, other training and education options may be available to the person, for example they could undertake training or education on a part-time basis and retain their jobseeker's payment or take up full-time courses with the Education Training Board. This provides that the Department's resources are provided in a targeted manner and where is it considered most beneficial.
There are no plans at this time to make any changes to the eligibility for these supports.
Any person seeking to return to education or training should engage with their local Intreo Centre to assess their options.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1510. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the Government’s position on proposals contained in the pensions authority’s recent consultation on PRSA investment rules; whether he has considered the potential impact that restricting direct property investment within personal retirement savings accounts will have on small pension savers who use such arrangements to invest prudently in individual properties, as distinct from institutional or collective property funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73983/25]
View answer1511. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is Government policy to support a balanced approach between small-scale pension investors, including self-directed PRSA holders investing in individual properties, and large institutional investors (vulture funds); and whether he has concerns that the investment restrictions under consideration by the pensions authority could disproportionately disadvantage individual or “mom-and-pop” pension investors relative to institutional participants in the property market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73984/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1510 and 1511 together.
Section 10(1) of the Pensions Act 1990 sets out that the functions of the Pensions Authority include advising me on all matters in relation to pensions generally.
The Pensions Authority held a public consultation from 30 September 2025 to 17 November 2025 seeking views on the regulation of Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) investments. In its consultation, the Authority sets out its concerns about the difference between the investment rules of PRSAs and occupational pension schemes and believes that these rules should be more aligned. In particular, the rules for occupational pension schemes require that pension saving investments are invested in prudent manner and predominately in regulated markets.
Following the transposition of the EU IORP II Directive into Irish law in 2021, other than a five-year derogation for pre-existing one member arrangements (schemes established solely for one member, who has discretion over how the assets are invested), investment rules apply to all pension schemes regardless of size. In the Authority’s view, it is difficult to justify not extending such safeguarding measures to contributors of all pension saving products, including PRSAs.
The Department and I will await the outcome of the Authority's consultation and any advice that may be provided to me for consideration on the investment rules applicable to PRSAs, before making any decisions.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1512. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection the statutory basis on which his Department requires rent supplement or supplementary welfare allowance applicants to submit property ownership documentation, including local property tax records, insurance policies, title deeds or mortgage statements; and to identify the relevant provisions of SI No. 412/2007 relied upon in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74078/25]
View answer1513. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which the “reasonably required” test under Article 23(1)(a) of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) Regulations 2007 is applied when requesting documentation from tenants; and if consideration is given to a tenant’s legal or practical ability to obtain the information requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74079/25]
View answer1514. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason confirmation of landlord identity and ownership from a licensed property agent, including the beneficial owner’s details and the agent’s PSRA licence number, is not accepted as sufficient evidence for rent supplement and related schemes; and the legal basis for requiring alternative documentation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74080/25]
View answer1515. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of rent supplement, housing assistance payment and supplementary welfare allowance claims that were closed, suspended or disallowed, due to failure to provide proof of property ownership; and the number of such cases where this arose from landlord or letting-agent non-cooperation in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74081/25]
View answer1516. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if ministerial guidelines, circulars or internal instructions exist specifying acceptable forms of landlord verification for rent supplement and related supports; if so, to publish them; and to clarify whether alternative evidence from licensed property agents is permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74082/25]
View answer1517. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if tenants are required by his Department to purchase land registry folios or title documents in order to retain eligibility for rent supplement or supplementary welfare allowance; and whether such costs are provided for in the governing legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74083/25]
View answer1518. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has sought advice from the data protection commission regarding the practice of requesting tenants to submit third-party personal or financial data relating to landlords; and whether this practice has been assessed for compliance with data protection legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74084/25]
View answer1519. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if he intends to review the Department’s procedures for verifying landlord ownership for rent supplement and related supports, with a view to ensuring that claimants are not adversely affected by matters outside their control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74085/25]
View answer1520. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department limits documentation requests to information that tenants can reasonably be expected to obtain; whether alternative evidence from licensed property agents is accepted where appropriate; and whether claims may be maintained where non-compliance arises from landlord or agent refusal to cooperate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74086/25]
View answer1521. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection the Department’s procedures where income supports are suspended or terminated due to the non-provision of documentation by landlords or managing agents; and the safeguards in place to ensure proportionality and fairness for tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74087/25]
View answer1522. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if additional administrative requirements introduced by his Department in relation to rent supplement and supplementary welfare allowance are supported by statutory authority; and the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with the legislative framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [74088/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1512 to 1522, inclusive, 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. Supports provided under the scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as Additional Needs Payments.
Rent Supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment or income, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Section 198 (3FA) of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 as amended, provides that a person shall not be entitled to Rent Supplement unless a designated person is satisfied that the person is a bona fide tenant.
In order to establish that a customer is a bona fide tenant, the Department requires a customer to provide a completed Rent Supplement application, a lease/tenancy agreement, and landlord proof of ownership. Proof of ownership is established by provision of a copy of one of the following documents, dated within the last twelve months:
• Receipt of Local Property Tax paid by the landlord.
• Evidence of buildings insurance policy held by the landlord.
• Evidence of registration with the Residential Tenancies Board.
• A letter from a solicitor certifying that the landlord owns the property.
• A letter from a financial institution that holds a mortgage on the rental property confirming ownership.
Property Services Regulatory Authority licence number does not constitute proof of ownership.
Article 19 (Part 5) and Article 23(1)(a)(Part5) of S.I. No. 412/2007 - Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) Regulations 2007, as amended, provides that a customer must furnish such certificates, documents, information and evidence that are required by the Department of Social Protection for the purpose of deciding and reviewing claims for Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
The request for proof of ownership is a legal requirement and compliant with data protection legislation. Section 198C of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005, as amended, provides that a landlord must provide, upon request, information relating to the tenancy of the person which the Department may require for the purposes of determining entitlement to that supplement.
In addition, Section 888 of the Consolidated Taxes Act 1997 provides that the Revenue Commissioners may request information from the Department of Social Protection relating to landlord details, of each rented property in respect of which Supplementary Welfare Allowance is or was paid.
No additional administrative requirements have been introduced in relation to determining a bona fide tenancy for the purposes of Rent Supplement.
Where a landlord has any concerns regarding confidentiality, they can forward their proof of ownership documentation directly to the Department. Tenants are not required to purchase land registry folios or title documents in order to retain eligibility for Rent Supplement or Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
Statistics are not maintained on the number of Supplementary Welfare Allowance claims, including Rent Supplement, that were closed, suspended or disallowed, due to failure to provide proof of property ownership.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the Housing Assistance Payment.
I consider the current assessment process used in determining a bona fide tenancy to be a reasonable approach for any person wishing to make a Rent Supplement application. The Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme is kept under review to ensure that it continues to support those most in need of assistance.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
