Niall Collins
Ceist:166. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education for an update on an application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27753/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Accommodation
Ceisteanna (166)
Freagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide a 2 SET Resource Room under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme.
A Stage 1/2a Report (Design Development) was submitted to my Department in June 2024. This submission is now required to undergo a review by officials at my Department to ensure the proposed design adheres to my Department’s guidelines and procedures as outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines.
Upon completion of this review process my Department officials will communicate with the school authority regarding the next steps to advance this significant project.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (167)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:167. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that there will be no further delays to the building of a school (details supplied); if the project will be expedited as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27768/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy is at Stage 4 - In Construction. Works commenced on site in June 2023 with an estimated completion timeframe of 18 months. However, due to unforeseen site issues at the outset, completion is now estimated at Quarter 2 of 2025. The Design Team and my Department's Planning and Building Unit are monitoring progress closely and every effort will be made to mitigate any further delay.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (168)
Ged Nash
Ceist:168. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is aware of the difficulty in accessing funding under Action 23 of the National Sports Policy 2018 to 2027 (details supplied); the actions that have been taken by her Department to give practical effect to Action 23 of the 2018 to 2027 National Sports Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27678/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
While the National Sports Policy contains the aim referred to in the question, the issue needs to be considered in the context of the completion of a planned roll-out this year and next of a national network of Local Sports Plans in each local authority area. Any consideration of a new funding stream requires the comprehensive outline of the nature, extent and geographical scope of the potential sports and recreation facilities, infrastructure, programmes and services requirements countrywide which will be captured by the Local Sports Plans, as well the overall resources available to the department.
Television Licence Fee
Ceisteanna (169, 170)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:169. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of prosecutions for non-payment of the TV licence in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023; and the total cost of prosecuting cases in each of those years, in tabular form. [27714/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraImelda Munster
Ceist:170. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the average cost of prosecuting a case for the non-payment of the television licence. [27715/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.
Part 9 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009 makes provision for the administration of the TV licence fee system.
As statutory collection agent, operational issues regarding collection and enforcement are primarily a matter for An Post, who make every effort to promote the purchasing of a TV licence and thereby ensure compliance. This includes issuing of reminders and undertaking household visits to confirm possession of a TV licence or otherwise. While it is an offence not to possess a TV licence, prosecution through the courts is a last resort.
Details of prosecutions, including total and average costs are an operational matter for An Post and my Department does not hold the requested figures. Timing of court hearings and details of prosecutions are a matter for the Courts Service. However, I can provide details on the number of summons issued by An Post and the number of cases brought to court for the years requested, which are as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Summons Issued |
Cases Brought to Court |
|
2021 |
7,507 |
4,328 |
|
2022 |
14,915 |
9,610 |
|
2023 |
13,276 |
9,830 |
The figures provided for 2021 reflect reduced operational activities due to the impact of necessary public health restrictions.
It is to be noted that not all summonses sought in any given year are brought to court in the same calendar year and may not be heard until the following year.
Possession of a valid TV licence is not only a legal obligation, it also provides vital funding to enable the provision of high quality public service content to Irish audiences. It is important to note that, in addition to providing funding to RTÉ, TV licences receipts also enable funding to a wider range of broadcasters including local commercial radio, and the independent production sector, through the Sound and Vision scheme.
Question No. 170 answered with Question No. 169.
An Ghaeltacht
Ceisteanna (171)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:171. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén cineál plé a bhí aici nó ag a Roinn leis an Aire Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Óige nó lena Roinn maidir leis an dochar fadtéarmach a d’fhéadfadh lonnú teifeach ón Úcráin nó ó thíortha eile i nGaeltachtaí láidre a dhéanamh do staid leochaileach na Gaeilge sna limistéir sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27868/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Is ceist don Aire Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Imeasctha í lóistín a sholáthar d’Iarrthóir ar Chosaint Idirnáisiúnta agus do theifigh agus níl aon ról ag mo Roinn staidéar dá leithéid a dhéanamh.
Sa chomhthéacs sin, bhí plé teoranta ag oifigigh mo Roinne lena gcomhghleacaithe sa Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Imeasctha maidir le cásanna áirithe inar ardaíodh ceisteanna le mo Roinn maidir le lonnú Iarrthóirí ar Chosaint Idirnáisiúnta agus teifigh sa Ghaeltacht.
Legislative Process
Ceisteanna (172)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:172. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the transposition of the Nature Restoration Law into Irish law. [27728/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Nature Restoration Regulation (also known as the Nature Restoration Law, NRL) was approved by a qualified majority vote (QMV) during the session of the Environment Council in Luxembourg on Monday 17th June 2024. The Regulation will enter into force 20 days after it is published in the EU Official Journal.
An EU regulation is a binding legislative act that must be applied in its entirety across the Union. As such, it differs materially from an EU directive which sets out policy objectives for EU Member States to achieve and requires transposition into national legislation.
In the case of the NRL, it is up to each Member State to decide how it will achieve the obligations in the regulation by making a national Nature Restoration Plan within 24 months of the regulation coming into force.
Rental Sector
Ceisteanna (173, 174, 175, 177, 179, 180, 181)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:173. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a detailed breakdown of the number of prosecutions for non-compliance with improvement and prohibition notices issued under sections 18A and 18B of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, in each of the past ten years; the fines imposed and the instances where custodial sentences were given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27635/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:174. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to direct local authorities to publish detailed annual reports on enforcement activities, including the number of improvement and prohibition notices issued, the number of prosecutions, fines imposed, custodial sentences given, and compensation claims awarded, as per the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 and Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27636/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:175. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the statistics on the enforcement actions taken by local authorities under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, specifying the number of cases leading to improvement notices, prohibition notices, prosecutions, fines, custodial sentences, and compensation claims, broken down by year for the past decade, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27638/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:177. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify the role of the Residential Tenancies Board in enforcing improvement and prohibition notices and resolving disputes related to non-compliance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019; to provide data on cases of this kind handled by the RTB over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27646/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:179. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures and penalties in place to enforce compliance among corporate landlords with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 and the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, including any instances of penalties or enforcement actions taken against corporate landlords in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27665/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:180. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to direct all local authorities to release detailed data on the enforcement of housing standards, including the number of improvement notices and prohibition notices issued, the number of prosecutions, fines imposed and any custodial sentences given; to ensure transparency and public accountability, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27666/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:181. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of successful compensation claims due to non-compliance with improvement and prohibition notices under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992, over the past ten years, including the average compensation awarded in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27677/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 to 175, inclusive, Question No. 177, and Questions Nos. 179 to 181, inclusive, together.
The standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019. Responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations in the private rental sector rests with the relevant local authority.
If a property has been found to be non-compliant with the Regulations, it is a matter for the local authority to determine what action is necessary and appropriate. They can issue an Improvement Letter or serve an Improvement Notice. In most cases they opt for the former. Sections 18A and 18B of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 provide that a housing authority may serve an Improvement Notice or Prohibition Notice, respectively, where a property is found to be non-compliant. Failure to comply with the standards can result in penalties and prosecution.
Where a landlord fails to comply with an Improvement Notice, the local authority may serve a Prohibition Notice (which directs that a dwelling cannot be re-let until all contraventions are remedied) and may consider instituting legal proceedings. These are very seldom required.
Section 18B(10) of the Act (as amended) provides that housing authorities must in the interests of public health and safety bring the contents of a Prohibition Notice to the attention of the public. Housing authorities have a discretion about how they do this, but many publish details on the authorities website.
Under Section 34 of that Act, any person who by act or omission contravenes the Regulations, fails to comply with an Improvement Notice, or re-lets a house in breach of a Prohibition Notice, will be guilty of an offence and will be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both. If the offence continues after conviction, the person will be guilty of a further offence on every day on which the offence continues and for each such offence will be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €400 per day.
Neither my Department nor the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) has an operational role in relation to enforcement matters under these regulations.
The Government is committed to ensuring that a stock of high quality accommodation is available for those who live in the private rented sector. A total of €9 million in Exchequer funding is being made available by my Department to local authorities this year to help them meet their private rental inspection targets.
Local authorities conducted over 49,000 inspections of private rented dwellings in 2022 and an all-time high of over 63,500 in 2023. Annual data in respect of the level of inspection and enforcement activity and the number of legal actions initiated by each local authority is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/da3fe-private-housing-market-statistics/#private-rented-inspections
Data in respect of any fines imposed, sentences given, compensation awarded or cases where a non-compliant dwelling was owned by a corporate landlord is not provided to my Department by local authorities.
The RTB was established as quasi-judicial, independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA) to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants, including disputes in respect of the maintenance of dwellings and landlord obligations. Tenants may refer a dispute under Part 6 of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 – 2022 to the RTB for resolution where a landlord has failed to adhere to their obligations under section 12.
Question No. 174 answered with Question No. 173.
Question No. 175 answered with Question No. 173.
Coastal Erosion
Ceisteanna (176)
John Brady
Ceist:176. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of the Government’s plans to address the continuing impacts of coastal erosion at the Murrough in Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27645/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The scoping report of the Interdepartmental Group on coastal change management, which was co-chaired by my Department and the Office of Public Works, can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/9a967-report-of-the-inter-departmental-group-on-national-coastal-change-management-strategy/
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 is being put in place. This 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 by an interdepartmental steering group which is chaired by my Department.
Tackling coastal change management in response to climate change will be complex, multifaceted and dynamic, demanding a range of research, policy and consequential management responses.
My Department acts 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 acts as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints.
With respect to responding to coastal change local authorities are, generally, responsible for the management of matters associated with coastal change and erosion in their respective administrative areas. Other coastal risks such as to transport, agricultural, business, are addressed locally and through appropriate sectoral responses. As Minister, I am precluded from commenting on particular projects or locations which may necessitate planning applications.
Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 173.
Rental Sector
Ceisteanna (178)
Robert Troy
Ceist:178. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide clarity on the ability of local authorities to provide a rent cap on pensioners rent rates; the reason local authorities will currently only apply a cap where a pensioner is living in a designated OPD; and his views on whether this is unfair as pensioners are being punished for the lack of availability of OPDs at local authority level. [27661/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Local authorities set and collect rents on their dwellings in accordance with section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. The making or amending of such rent schemes is generally a matter for local authorities within broad principles set out by my Department, including that rent levels should be based on income and reflect tenants’ ability to pay.
Local discretion and flexibility are inherent in the devolved administration of rent schemes and different approaches are taken to rent setting across local authorities. Accordingly, decisions regarding how the rent payable is calculated, including arrangements for the provision of any rent cap on pensioners’ rent rates, are matters for individual local authorities in line with the Differential Rent Scheme that it has in place.
Question No. 179 answered with Question No. 173.
Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 173.
Question No. 181 answered with Question No. 173.
Approved Housing Bodies
Ceisteanna (182)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:182. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will liaise with a trust (details supplied) in relation to refurbishments taking place to ensure tenants are provided with accommodation with double glazed windows as a minimum standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27694/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) have responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of their properties, including sinking funds for future improvements.
There are a number of options available for energy improvement upgrades through Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grants.
Currently, under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund grant schemes, both of which are administered through the local authorities, funding can be awarded for works to increase the thermal performance of a protected structure including draught-proofing of windows and/or installation of appropriately detailed secondary glazing.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (183)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:183. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 30 May 2024, if a person who sold their family home following divorce proceedings can be considered eligible for the fresh start principle for the purposes of applying for a local authority home loan or affordable purchase home; and the statutory instruments underpinning the fresh start principal as it applies to the local authority home loan and affordable purchase scheme. [27696/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The ‘Fresh Start’, principle forms a key element in ‘ Housing for All ‘and is applied across a number of affordable and mortgage schemes run by my Department such as the Local Authority Home Loan and the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme.
The Fresh Start principle allows people who are not first time buyers to be eligible to apply for a Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL) or to purchase an affordable home under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS). The specific eligibility criteria for each scheme must also be met.
As set out in the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (as amended) to be eligible under the Fresh Start principle, the following provisions must be met:
• the marriage, civil partnership or relationship concerned has ended, and
• the person is now applying to purchase a property on their own or with a different person, and
• the person has divested themselves of their interest in any previous properties purchased or built and
• their most recently owned dwelling must have been lost as a result of the fresh start event.
In some cases, applicants who have been through Fresh Start events may have purchased or built other homes prior to the Fresh Start event. Once they meet the other conditions of Fresh Start, the purchase/building of these other homes does not render an applicant ineligible for a housing loan, provided that they have sold or divested themselves of these previous homes.
The statutory instruments underpinning the fresh start principle as it applies to the local authority home loan and affordable purchase schemes are:
• Regulation 7(2) of S.I. No. 701 of 2021 Housing Loans Regulations 2021;
• Regulation 3(b) of S.I. No. 221 of 2024 Housing Loans (Amendment) Regulations 2024; and
• Section 10 (3) of the Affordable Housing Act 2021, (as amended).
Wastewater Treatment
Ceisteanna (184)
Colm Burke
Ceist:184. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration would be given to reviewing the eligibility areas of grant aid schemes administered by a local authority (details supplied) to upgrade, repair or replace domestic wastewater treatment system/septic tank systems, to ensure that those who are in most need of the grant and who would have difficulty in financing such works could utilise the grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27707/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The policy of providing grant funding to households for work on Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS), including septic tanks, arises from the need to address damage being done to water quality in sensitive areas in particular.
The grants are focused on the areas of greatest environmental priority and are available only in circumstances relating to risks to water quality and/or human health and the environment, and are not general in application.
Householders can avail of the grants if their defective DWWTS has failed an inspection under the National Inspection Plan and an Advisory Notice has been issued, or if the DWWTS is located in either a Prioritised Area for Action or a High Status Objective Catchment Area, as identified in the River Basin Management Plan.
Modifications to the conditions and amount of the grants available came into effect from 1 January 2024 following a review of the scheme and I have no plans to make further changes.
Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (185)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:185. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of buildings Carlow County Council refurbished; the number that are going back into local authority stock; the number that will be going for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27760/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides annual funding support to local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-let under the Voids Programme. This funding was introduced originally to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted to support authorities to ensure minimal turnaround and re-let times for vacant stock.
An annualised breakdown by local authority, including Carlow County Council, of the funding provided and the number of properties remediated under the Voids programme for the years 2014 up to and including 2023 is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/0906a-other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/#voids-programme
Local authorities are encouraged to acquire vacant/derelict properties to be upgraded as new, value-for-money social homes via the Buy & Renew Scheme. Since it was introduced in 2016, Carlow Co. Co. have brought 39 units back into use.
Alongside the acquisition and upgrade as new social homes of existing properties in need of refurbishment, in recent years an increasing number of local authorities are tackling more substantial projects involving derelict properties. This allows for local authorities to tackle dereliction where substantial construction work is involved and to produce further new social homes. This work is tackled alongside a local authority's programme of construction on green field sites. Alongside Buy & Renew acquisitions, it creates opportunities for local authorities to respond to more significant dereliction in town centres. Carlow have a number of projects in this bracket both onsite or going through the project approval stages.
Units refurbished under these schemes and the Voids programme are for use as social housing.
Homeless Persons Supports
Ceisteanna (186)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:186. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of families and individuals who made contact with local authorities on the basis that they considered themselves to be homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27769/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household.
My Department publishes quarterly progress reports which are based on quarterly performance reports submitted by the nine regional lead authorities responsible for the administration of homeless services at local level. These quarterly performance reports include information on presentations to homeless services by single adult and family households. The most recent published data is in respect of Q1 2024 and the report is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/ .
Supreme Court Rulings
Ceisteanna (187, 188)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:187. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if, noting the recent judgement given by the Supreme Court in respect to surviving cohabitants and their children, in relation to the access to the widow’s, widower’s and surviving civil partner’s contributory pension, the legislative amendments required are underway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27650/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCian O'Callaghan
Ceist:188. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will outline, noting the recent judgement given by the Supreme Court in respect to surviving cohabitants and their children, in relation to access to the widow’s, widower’s and surviving civil partner’s contributory pension, when the legislative changes will be brought forward by her Department and the Attorney General; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27651/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.
Under 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 marriage or civil partnership.
On Monday 22nd January, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in relation to the entitlement of an unmarried cohabitant to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension. The Supreme Court judgment overruled a previous High Court decision and found in favour of the claimant and his children.
In simple terms, the Court found that section 124 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) is inconsistent with the Constitution insofar as it excluded the claimant from the category of persons entitled to benefit from it. The Court reached that conclusion on the basis of the equality guarantee contained in Article 40.1 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court judgment notes that in order to resolve the issue raised by the judgment, a legislative amendment is required.
My officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General have been considering the measures necessary to respond to the Supreme Court judgment. The judgment raised a number of complex issues, and my officials have been developing the draft legislative changes that are required to implement the decision.
Last week, I obtained Government approval for the priority drafting of the legislative changes required to respond to the Supreme Court decision and for the publication of the General Scheme of a Bill and its referral to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Pre-legislative Scrutiny. Officials in the Department of Social Protection will now work closely with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to finalise this legislation and I intend to introduce the legislation to Oireachtas as soon as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 188 answered with Question No. 187.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (189)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:189. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27659/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An increase for qualified adult (IQA) on invalidity pension and state pension (contributory) is a means-tested payment, payable to a claimant whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.
Where the qualified adult has weekly means of less than €100, the maximum rate of IQA is payable. Where their weekly means are over €100 and not more than €310, a tapering reduced rate of IQA is payable. If the qualified adult has means of more than €310 per week, this exceeds the means limit and there is no entitlement to an IQA payment. Where property or assets are held jointly, the qualified adult's means are assessed as half of the total amount. The family home is not included in the means assessment.
As part of my Department’s commitment to ensuring that claimants are receiving their full and correct entitlements, ongoing reviews of all means tested payments are carried out. Following a review, it was decided that the weekly means of the qualified adult were €333.25. As this exceeded the means threshold of €310 per week the IQA payment was stopped effective from 31 August 2023.
The person concerned appealed the decision in November 2023. The appeal was disallowed on 7 February 2024.
In order to qualify for the household benefits package a person must live alone or only with other persons who fulfil certain criteria. As the spouse of the person concerned is not in receipt of a qualifying payment, such as IQA, the person concerned is no longer eligible for the household benefits package. A letter issued to the person concerned on 4 April 2024.
It is open to the person concerned to re-apply for IQA if their circumstances change.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (190)
Michael Creed
Ceist:190. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has had their carer’s allowance payment withdrawn. [27674/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
One of the qualifying conditions is that the means of the person concerned must be less than the statutory limit.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse / civil partner / cohabitant, property (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
I confirm that the person concerned was in receipt of CA from 18 February 2010.
Once claims are in payment, my Department undertakes periodic reviews to ensure that there is continued entitlement to payment.
On 7th March 2024, correspondence issued from my Department to advise the person concerned that based on their current income it appeared that their means exceeded the statutory limit for continued receipt of CA and that their entitlement to CA was being reconsidered.
The person concerned was offered the opportunity to furnish within 14 days of the letter any other evidence / information before a decision was made by a Deciding Officer.
The customer responded on 5th April 2024. However, no new information was provided and, based on information received to date, the person concerned does not qualify for CA from 8th May 2024 as their means exceed the limit for payment. The last payment of CA issued on 2nd May 2024.
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 24th April 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.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (191)
Michael Creed
Ceist:191. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a couple (details supplied) is not in receipt of the maximum State pension (contributory). [27675/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned reached pension age on 27 November 2013. A reduced rate state pension (contributory) equivalent to 98% of the maximum rate was awarded. This is based on a total of 1,311 contributions from 1988 to 2013 giving a yearly average of 44 contributions. This pension is currently paid at the weekly rate of €271.90
The spouse of the person concerned reached pension age on 25 July 2020. An application for State Pension (contributory) was received on 27 March 2023. The state pension (contributory) was awarded based on a yearly average of 31 contributions from 1988 to 2020. It is currently paid at the weekly rate of €249.30 per week.
Following review, the rate of pension increased to €255.70 per week. This is based on 1,378 reckonable contributions, 513 home caring periods and 27 credits from 1972 to 2020. A revised decision has issued. Any arrears due will issue without delay.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (192)
Michael Creed
Ceist:192. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial assistance available from her Department for assistance with substantial arrears of household energy bills (details supplied). [27712/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There is a range of supports provided by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme. These supports can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs).
My Department may make an ANP to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are administered by Designated Persons (DP) in the CWS considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
Departmental records show that the persons concerned have not made a recent application for assistance under the SWA scheme. If the persons concerned are experiencing financial difficulties, they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form and providing all relevant documents in support of their application. For convenience, an application pack has been posted to persons' home address. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the claim will be assessed, and the persons concerned will be advised of the outcome in writing. Alternatively, if the persons concerned have a verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.
Further information on all of my Department’s schemes and payments is available at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (193)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:193. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons over 65 years-of-age that applied for the training support grant; how many were approved, by county for the years 2023 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27770/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Training Support Grant is designed to fund quick access to short term training that can support individual jobseekers to access work opportunities. The grant can be provided where an immediate skills gap is identified that presents an obstacle to taking up a job offer or accessing other opportunities.
The primary focus of the scheme is to support those in receipt of a jobseekers' payment as part of the activation policy of the Department. The grant is also available for individuals in receipt of other working age payments such as Disability Allowance or One Parent Family Payment who may be looking to up-skill when seeking employment.
The Department does not maintain statistics of the age of applicants for the Training Support Grant.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy at this time.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (194)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:194. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27774/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 13 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 13 February 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.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (195)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if rent supplement or other assistance is available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27785/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Rent Supplement (RS) scheme 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 those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Supports from this Department are not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has the primary responsibility. The responsibility for the provision of rent support to those with a long-term housing need has transferred from the Department of Social Protection to the local authorities. Persons with a long-term housing need should contact their local authority where information is available regarding suitable housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
To qualify for RS, a person must be in a lawful tenancy and have received a RS payment within 12 months of the date of application. Alternatively they must have been residing in private rented accommodation for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for RS, where on commencement of the tenancy the person could have reasonably afforded the rent and has since experienced a substantial change in his or her circumstances where they are now unable to pay the rent.
RS is also available for people who have been living in housing for homeless persons or an institution for 183 days or more during the 12 months before the application, and who do not qualify for social housing support.
If the person concerned needs assistance with their rent but does not meet these conditions, they should contact their local authority to have their housing needs assessed.
Departmental records show that the person concerned has not made an application for RS. If the person meets the conditions outlined above, they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA RS1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. A completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly.
Further information on all of my Department’s schemes and payments is available at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.