Written Answers Nos. 389-410
389. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider forming an expert working group for national monuments (details supplied) given all structures recognised after 1888 are not considered as monuments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21800/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe definition of “monument” for the purposes of the National Monuments Act 1930 is not in fact date limited. The definition of “national monument” as set out in section 2 of the Act of 1930, contains an automatic carry forward of anything which was an “ancient monument” for the purposes of the Ancient Monuments Protection Acts 1882 to 1910 (which were repealed by the Act of 1930). However, the definition of national monument is much wider than that and includes any monument the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason of one or more categories of heritage interest set out in the definition; there is no reference to any date limitation in the definition. Indeed, the definition makes expressly clear that the reference in it to the 19th century legislation was not to be read as limiting the general scope of the definition.
With respect to the reference to Moore Street, the buildings at 14 to 17 Moore Street had a preservation order placed on them pursuant to the relevant provisions of the National Monuments Act 1930, on the basis that it was considered that they met the definition of national monument for the purposes of the Act of 1930.
The National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014, as currently in place, will be repealed on a phased basis as the provisions of the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 (the 2023 Act) (which was enacted by the Oireachtas on 13 October 2023) are commenced. Work is currently ongoing within my Department to ensure that the commencement of all provisions of the Act is progressed as expediently as possible.
The 2023 Act will, when commenced in full, provide strengthened protection for all elements of archaeological and historic heritage. One aspect of this will be the provision of automatic protection for classes of monuments prescribed in regulations made by me, as Minister, under the Act. My Department is currently working on drafting of such regulations and active consideration is being given to the appropriate inclusion of certain types of structures associated with the World War II period. In any event, such structures would be eligible for inclusion in the new Register of Monuments to be established under the Act of 2023, in line with the wide scope of the new legislation.
390. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is he aware of the ongoing issues faced by an affordable housing provider (details supplied); if he will take action to ensure a solution is reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21841/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy role as Minister is to lead the development of policy and legislation relating to the provision of affordable housing generally and to support local authorities in delivering affordable homes by providing funding to subvent schemes from the Affordable Housing Fund.
In line with the Affordable Housing Act 2021, the planning and development of affordable housing schemes in response to identified needs is a matter for the relevant local authority, in this instance Waterford City and County Council.
Waterford City and County Council is best placed to assist public representatives with any reasonable information requests relating to contractual arrangements which may be in place with affordable housing providers in its functional area.
391. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total costs incurred by his Department from 2019 to date relating to the placing of advertisements in print media; the names of the print media publications involved, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21868/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
392. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of leased social housing properties funded by his Department via SHCEP at the end of 2023; the total cost to the State in 2023; and a breakdown of different lease types (details supplied) other with the full cost for each of these sub sets in 2023, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21878/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP) supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the leasing of houses and apartments. Dwellings under the scheme come from a number of different sources including private owners, Part V and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
Details of the number of units and funding of the Social Housing Leasing Programme to year end 2023 can be found on my Department's website at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
Number of units - assets.gov.ie/253731/385ff381-c907-4698-aeff-097f6ca0b319.xlsx
Funding - assets.gov.ie/99984/d10e5f7c-a0f5-40ab-9ccf-0559e22f3afa.xlsx
The social housing leasing scheme includes properties leased by AHBs directly, leased by local authorities from private owners under long term and short term agreements, Enhanced leasing, Mortgage to Rent, NARPS, Part V Leasing, the Repair and Leasing Scheme, Unsold Affordables and the Targeted Leasing Initiative.
393. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the projected rise in sea levels and the potential impact on the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21426/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra394. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on how climate change is contributing to the rise in sea levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21427/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 393 and 394 together.
In response to the developing risks associated with climate change - including changing weather patterns and an estimated sea level rise of up to one metre by the year 2100 - the Government established an Inter-Departmental Group to prepare a scoping report for the National Managing Coastal Change Management Strategy, which was jointly chaired by my Department and the Office of Public Works.
The purpose of the Group was to scope out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change on our coastal communities. The Inter-Departmental Group was supported by a Technical Working Group.
The report of the Interdepartmental Group, was approved last year by Government and published can be found online: gov.ie - Coastal Change Management Strategy Report (www.gov.ie)
The Report sets out the Group’s initial findings and recommendations to enable the State to assess risks and develop appropriate responses, and it addresses:-
• Approaches to coastal change management in EU and other jurisdictions;
• Baseline and other data capture and research requirements to inform developing, implementing and monitoring a national coastal management strategy, to include potential damages assessment;
• Outline of the economic, environmental, cultural and social policy issues arising with approaches to coastal change management;
• The development of criteria that can help inform planning and investment decisions on future use of all coastal areas, including any guidance requirements;
• Recommendations on future structures and roles of Government Departments to deal with coastal change and to deliver a national coastal change policy, including adaptation strategies, resource implications, legislative and regulatory change requirements and a communications strategy to underpin it.
Tackling coastal change management in response to climate change will be complex, multi-faceted and dynamic, demanding a range of research, policy and consequential management responses. Through the 15 recommendations set out in the report, an evidence-based coastal change management strategy facilitating key decisions to be taken to address and manage the impacts of coastal change over the short, medium and longer terms will be put in place. The strategy set out in the scoping report involves an integrated whole of government approach, with actions across many sectors and my Department will play a key role in coordinating and driving this essential work programme.
This work is being progressed through the establishment of an interdepartmental steering working group which will meet in the coming weeks, to be led and chaired by my Department. My Department will act as the policy lead, in particular co-ordinating the work across Government with respect to responding in a co-ordinated way to the challenge of coastal change. The Office of Public Works will act as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints.
396. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person in County Kerry (details supplied) who has been deemed eligible for disability allowance will be transferred to an invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21200/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18 April 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 2 May 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.
397. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Social Protection to clarify if a person (details supplied) over 65 and on over-65 jobseeker’s benefit, not having to actively seek employment and at home on a full-time basis, would be entitled to carer’s support grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21225/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Carers Support Grant is an annual payment for carers who look after a person in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is made regardless of the carer's means but is subject to certain qualifying conditions.
The person claiming the Grant must:
• Be aged 16 or over and ordinarily resident in this State
• Care for the person on a full-time basis
• Care for the person for a continuous period of at least six months – this period must include the first Thursday in June
• Live with the person being looked after, or this person can be contacted quickly by a direct system of communication (i.e., a telephone or alarm)
• Not be employed / self-employed for more than 18.5 hours per week
• Not be in receipt of, or entitled to receive Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit or be signing for credited contributions
Additionally, the person being cared for must:
• Be so incapacitated as to need full-time care and attention
• Not normally live in a hospital, convalescent home, or another similar institution
• Not receive full-time care and attention within their own home from another person other than the person claiming the Grant
The primary purpose of carers payments is to support carers whose earning capacity is significantly reduced as a consequence of their caring commitments. The payments are premised on the provision of full-time care and attention (with the provision of allowing carers to engage in training, education or work for up to 18.5 hours per week) and, in so doing, to support the ongoing care of the person in respect of whom care is being provided. Recipients of Jobseeker’s Allowance or Benefit are not eligible for carers payments.
The Benefit Payment for 65 year-olds was introduced to provide an income support to people who are 65, who were in employment and who are required to, or who choose to, retire at age 65, but who do not qualify for the State Pension until they reach age 66. This scheme was introduced to address a specific concern raised on behalf of people in this very defined circumstance.
I can confirm that my Department received an application for the 2023 CSG from the person concerned on 19 June 2023.
The person concerned was notified of the decision to disallow the claim on 12 July 2023 and informed of their right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested an appeal of the decision.
On 16 April 2024, the Social Welfare Appeals Office notified the person concerned that their appeal was disallowed. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in light of relevant additional evidence or new facts.
An application form (CSG1) has been posted to the person concerned should they wish to be considered for the 2024 CSG.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
398. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an appeal of carer’s allowance application is taking so long. [21237/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26 February 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 were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 9 April 2024.
The case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 9 April 2024, who will in due course make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
399. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for invalidity pension, which is under appeal, will be approved for a person (details supplied). [21274/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 April 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
400. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social Protection the annual cost of maternity benefit, paternity benefit and parents leave benefit; the initial cost estimate provided to the Minister and to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in the year the benefit was legislated for; his views on the discrepancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21279/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe annual estimated costs of Maternity Benefit, Paternity Benefit and Parent's Benefit at the time each was introduced and the actual costs now are not directly comparable as there have been many changes to the schemes in the intervening years such as widened eligibility, extended durations and increased payments rates.
Maternity Benefit is a payment made for 26 weeks to employed and self-employed women who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions on their own insurance record. The original scheme was introduced for employees in 1970 and it was extended to include the self-employed from 9th June 1997. Until 2014, the rate of Maternity Benefit paid was based on a person’s reckonable earnings in the relevant tax year. Since 2014, the duration of entitlement has been extended from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and since October 2017 additional time has been provided in the case of premature births.
The weekly rate of payment has increased from €230 in 2014 to €274 in 2024. In 2023 there were 40,657 recipients of Maternity Benefit and it is estimated that my Department will spend approximately €280.7 million on the scheme in 2024.
The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 introduced Paternity Benefit for 2 weeks at the rate of €230 per week payable from 1 September 2016. Paternity Benefit is payable to employed and self-employed people who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. It must be commenced within 26 weeks of the child's birth. On the introduction of the scheme, my Department estimated that between 30,000 to 40,000 people would qualify for the payment in a full year, at a cost of €20 million.
There were 27,111 recipients of Paternity Benefit in 2023. The current rate of payment is €274 per week and it is estimated that my Department will spend approximately €14.6 million on the scheme in 2024.
The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 introduced two weeks of paid Parent's Leave for each parent at a rate of €245 per week to be taken in the first year after the birth or adoptive placement of a child, from November 2019. Two weeks Parent’s Benefit was estimated to cost approximately €32 million while potentially providing support to approximately 60,000 parents in a full year.
Following the commencement of the Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2021, an additional three weeks of Parent's Leave and Benefit was available to each parent, and the period in which the leave can be taken was extended to the first two years after the birth or adoptive placement of a child. This brought the duration of the payment to 5 weeks from April 2021. Budget 2022 provided for Parent’s Leave and Benefit to be extended from 5 weeks for each parent to 7 weeks from July 2022.
In line with the EU Work-Life Balance Directive, and as provided for in Budget 2024, Parent’s Leave and Benefit will be increased by an additional two weeks to nine weeks per parent from August 2024. In 2023 there were 78,189 recipients of Parent's Benefit. The current rate of payment is €274 per week and the estimated expenditure on the scheme this year is approximately €98.7 million.
It should be noted that costings are subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated number of recipients. Also, these figures are the scheme costs only and do not include costs to the Exchequer arising from staff substitution in the Public Sector. That is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
I trust this clarifies the position.
401. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether people medically determined to be intersex should be required to register as male or female; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21284/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIntersex is understood to be an umbrella term for persons who are born with sex characteristics, such as chromosomes, genitalia, and/or hormonal structure, that do not belong strictly to male or female categories.
It falls to the medical practitioner attending the birth to determine the gender of the child. However, where it is not possible for the gender of the child to be medically determined as “male” or “female”, the medical practitioner records the gender as “indeterminate”. This information is recorded on the birth notification form of the child which is used by the civil registration service in the registration of the birth.
For the parents of an intersex child, or the intersex persons themselves, a correction of the facts can be made at any age , through the civil registration system, from indeterminate to either male or female. This can only be done with the submission of medical evidence as provided for in legislation under Section 63 of the Civil Registration Act 2004.
402. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Social Protection when legislation will be updated to reflect changes to qualifying measures for widow's, widower's and surviving partner's contributory pension on the Supreme Court ruling in relation to the entitlement of an unmarried cohabitant to widow's, widower's and surviving partner's contributory pension; how many applications have been received that are currently on hold due to the necessary legislation changes that need to be made; the timeline for application for a person (details supplied) to progress for decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21332/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the law as currently enacted, entitlement to a widows, widowers or surviving civil partner’s contributory pension is only available to a surviving partner who was party to a legally registered marriage or civil partnership.
On Monday 22nd January 2024, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in relation to the entitlement of an unmarried co-habitant to a widows, widowers or surviving civil partner’s contributory pension. The Supreme Court found in favour of the claimant and his children. The judgment notes that in order to resolve the issue raised by the judgment, a legislative amendment is required. My officials and the Office of the Attorney General are now considering the very detailed judgment, including the legislative changes required to respond to this decision. This will be done with all expediency.
To date, the Department has received 122 applications for widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pension, which are being held, awaiting the new legislation. Applicants, including the person concerned, have been advised in writing that it is not possible to decide on their pension entitlement until the new legislation has been enacted. My Department will be in contact with the person concerned once the legislation is in place.
If the income of the person concerned is insufficient to meet their needs, they can apply for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. This can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments. This can be done through 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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
403. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection what supports are in place under his/her Department to assist a person with a disability to get back to into work, including supports for entrepreneurs; and the organisations that might assist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21350/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection, through its nationwide network of Intreo centres, provides a case managed employment service for jobseekers with disabilities. The person works with an Employment Personal Advisor with a view to agreeing a suitable personal progression plan in order to access the full range of employment supports available. There are a number of supports available to help disabled people into employment and self-employment.
The Department contracts specialist employment services, called EmployAbility, to provide both pre-employment and in-employment support and assistance for disabled people and a recruitment and job matching service for employers.
Early Engagement is targeted at recipients of a disability payment. It involves the Public Employment Service actively engaging with people with disabilities at the earliest opportunity, on a voluntary basis, offering supports to assist them in achieving their employment ambitions.
In December 2023, I announced a new programme to support the employment of people with disabilities under the new ESF+ funding. WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme has an overall budget of up to €36.29million and will run from January 2024 to December 2028. The programme aims to support up to 13,000 disabled people progress their training and employment ambitions over its lifetime, and will be delivered by 51 local and community organisations nationwide.
Disability Allowance and Blind Pension are structured to support recipients to avail of work opportunities including self-employment. An income disregard of €165 per week is applied with 50% of earnings between €165 and €375 also disregarded.
The Partial Capacity Benefit scheme allows a person who has been in receipt of Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit and who may not have full capacity for work, to enter or return to employment and continue to receive a partial or full payment.
The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, also offered through my department, supports people to take up self-employment opportunities while keeping a percentage of their social welfare payment for up to 2 years.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme is a subsidy for private sector employers to encourage the employment of people with disabilities in the open labour market. My department is currently finalising a review of the scheme and I expect to publish the report in the coming months. In anticipation of recommendations in the review, I made provision in Budget 2024 to decrease the minimum hours from 21 to 15 hours from 1st April this year.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
404. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21358/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised that my Department received an application for Disability Allowance from the person concerned on 28 December 2023. To qualify for a Disability Allowance payment a person must: be substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment, be aged between 16 and 66, satisfy a means test and be habitually resident in the State. Based on the supporting evidence supplied the application was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition for the scheme was not satisfied.
For the purposes of Disability Allowance, the term ‘substantially restricted’ in undertaking suitable employment depends on several factors, namely age, experience, and qualifications. The impairment arising from the medical condition(s) is assessed for functional limitations. In turn, the functional limitations are assessed against the person’s age, experience, and qualifications for suitable employment. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 05 April 2024, and they were given the right to a review or an appeal.
I have been advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal of this decision has only recently been received by the office. Once the appeal is registered the person concerned will be notified, and the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought, which is a statutory requirement of the appeals process. When these papers are received from the Department the case will be assigned to an Appeals Officer, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
405. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of disability allowance applications that were received by her Department in 2023; the number that were from applicants in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21369/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability 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.
My Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
During 2023, the Department received 28,700 new applications for DA. Over the course of the year, the Department awarded over 16,400 claims.
Our records indicate that there were 615 applications from County Clare in 2023.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
406. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection how many disability allowance applications were disallowed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21370/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability 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.
During 2023, the Department received over 28,700 new applications for DA. Over the course of the year, the Department awarded over 16,400 claims. 18,200 applications were disallowed or withdrawn during the year, some of these will have proceeded to reviews and may have subsequently been awarded.
Where an applicant's Disability Allowance claim is initially disallowed based on medical suitability, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This process allows the applicant to present additional medical evidence that may substantiate their claim by demonstrating the extent of their disability or illness and its impact on their ability to work.
Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a deciding officer. This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their health conditions may not have been fully captured at their initial application stage.
If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Where the decision was not revised by the Department, further evidence is often provided by the appellant as the appeal process proceeds.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
407. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection how many carer’s allowance applications were received by her Department in 2023; how many applicants were in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21371/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer'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.
My Department received 22,633 applications for CA in 2023. Of those, 542 applicants were in Co. Clare.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
408. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection how many carer’s allowance applications were disallowed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21372/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer'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 10,875 CA applications were disallowed in 2023. To date in 2024, 3,384 CA applications have been disallowed.
Decisions in relation to all Social Welfare schemes are made by Deciding Officers (DOs). All DOs are required to make decisions in a fair and impartial manner and in accordance with the legislative provisions for the relevant scheme. Ongoing training and guidance is provided to ensure that the DOs apply these criteria correctly.
Where an application is disallowed, the customer is given an explanation of the basis for the decision in writing. Customers are also advised of their right to have the decision reviewed where further information has become available and / or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
409. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection how many carer’s benefit cases will be administered in 2024, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21373/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is available to any resident within the European Union or UK who meets the qualifying conditions.
To qualify, the Carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
The current processing times for CARB claims currently stand at 5 weeks.
The numbers of CARB claims received, awarded and disallowed by county up to 30th April 2024 are provided in the table below.
|
County |
Applications Received |
Applications Awarded |
Applications Disallowed |
|
Carlow |
31 |
19 |
7 |
|
Cavan |
36 |
25 |
8 |
|
Clare |
42 |
38 |
10 |
|
Cork |
137 |
161 |
47 |
|
Donegal |
55 |
57 |
16 |
|
Dublin |
234 |
267 |
89 |
|
Galway |
81 |
89 |
39 |
|
Kerry |
62 |
62 |
19 |
|
Kildare |
71 |
71 |
22 |
|
Kilkenny |
49 |
31 |
11 |
|
Laois |
33 |
34 |
15 |
|
Leitrim |
25 |
12 |
5 |
|
Limerick |
71 |
61 |
18 |
|
Longford |
21 |
13 |
6 |
|
Louth |
47 |
43 |
13 |
|
Mayo |
54 |
58 |
17 |
|
Meath |
59 |
49 |
20 |
|
Monaghan |
35 |
22 |
9 |
|
Offaly |
39 |
27 |
11 |
|
Roscommon |
37 |
33 |
13 |
|
Sligo |
41 |
24 |
8 |
|
Tipperary |
55 |
52 |
17 |
|
Waterford |
40 |
42 |
12 |
|
Westmeath |
37 |
31 |
10 |
|
Wexford |
48 |
42 |
17 |
|
Wicklow |
43 |
27 |
16 |
|
Outside the State |
55 |
38 |
18 |
|
Total |
1,538 |
1,428 |
493 |
Some of the applications awarded or disallowed to date in 2024 includes some applications received in late 2023.
I hope this information is of assistance to the Deputy.
410. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection how many carer’s benefit cases will be administered in 2023, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21374/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's Benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. The payment is available to any resident within the European Union or UK who meets the qualifying conditions.
To qualify, the Carer must satisfy PRSI conditions, employment conditions, show that they are providing full-time care and attention and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.
The average processing times for CARB claims in 2023 was 4 weeks.
The numbers of CARB claims received, awarded and disallowed by county in 2023 are provided in the table below.
|
County |
Applications Received |
Applications Awarded |
Applications Disallowed |
|
Carlow |
61 |
66 |
18 |
|
Cavan |
78 |
75 |
21 |
|
Clare |
115 |
112 |
27 |
|
Cork |
518 |
523 |
163 |
|
Donegal |
174 |
167 |
45 |
|
Dublin |
793 |
825 |
235 |
|
Galway |
311 |
322 |
87 |
|
Kerry |
187 |
179 |
48 |
|
Kildare |
207 |
216 |
59 |
|
Kilkenny |
96 |
87 |
31 |
|
Laois |
98 |
99 |
37 |
|
Leitrim |
45 |
37 |
14 |
|
Limerick |
197 |
178 |
51 |
|
Longford |
46 |
39 |
16 |
|
Louth |
145 |
137 |
38 |
|
Mayo |
182 |
172 |
47 |
|
Meath |
181 |
179 |
52 |
|
Monaghan |
79 |
69 |
25 |
|
Offaly |
86 |
82 |
28 |
|
Roscommon |
84 |
88 |
30 |
|
Sligo |
73 |
71 |
22 |
|
Tipperary |
168 |
163 |
51 |
|
Waterford |
125 |
121 |
42 |
|
Westmeath |
98 |
99 |
37 |
|
Wexford |
129 |
126 |
49 |
|
Wicklow |
102 |
104 |
38 |
|
Outside the State |
114 |
109 |
48 |
|
Total |
4,492 |
4,445 |
1,359 |
Some of the applications awarded or disallowed in 2023 were received in late 2022.
I hope this information is of assistance to the Deputy.
