Written Answers Nos. 926-945
926. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal regarding disability allowance for a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34120/24]
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 23 July 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.
927. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Social Protection to clarify the entitlements to a jobseeker's allowance payment to those employed as a retained firefighter with a county council on a part-time basis and who are paid a retainer fee for training and callouts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34122/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRetained fire-fighters who are otherwise unemployed are entitled to a jobseeker’s payment in respect of days that they are engaged in fire-fighting or training, subject to the usual qualification conditions. They are also required to satisfy the statutory conditions for the receipt of a jobseeker’s payment of being available for and genuinely seeking full-time work.
To qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance, all jobseeker's must satisfy the qualifying conditions, including satisfying a means test. Means from employment, self-employment and capital are assessed in respect of the claimant and their spouse/partner or cohabitant, if applicable.
Part-time firefighters are entitled to a weekly rate (including days that they are engaged in firefighting or training) less any means that apply. All earnings from employment as a retained firefighter, except PRSI, Union Dues and Pension Contributions, are assessable as means. Where means are equal to, or in excess of the rate of payment, a person will not qualify for Jobseeker’s Allowance.
It is open to any person who is not satisfied with their decision to appeal this to the independent Appeals Offices or alternatively, seek a review of the decision by an officer of a higher grade, with their local Intreo Office or Social Welfare Branch Office.
If the Deputy can provide further details of this particular case my Department will review the person's claim and will revert accordingly.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
928. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that children's allowance payments are not means tested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33929/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild Benefit is a monthly payment to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. Child Benefit can also be claimed for children aged 16,17 and 18, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
Child Benefit was paid to 652,000 families in respect of 1.2 million children at a cost of €2.4 billion in 2023.
Child Benefit is not a means tested payment.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
929. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 131 of 29 May 2024, if she will confirm that no legislation exists to permit precedential group class decisions as originally requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34127/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department does not rely on test cases to determine the employment status of all workers in a sector.
Employment status decisions are made on a case by case basis, following investigation into the actual circumstances of the person's engagement, and by applying the tests or criteria as set out in the Code of Practice on Determining Employment Status.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
930. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection as recipients of jobseekers benefit are eligible to transfer their payment to another EU country for up to 13 weeks, what rate of payment would those on jobseekers benefit receive if they transfer their payment to another EU country. i.e., the rate of the host country or the rate of their country of origin. [34128/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseekers Benefit may be transferred to another EEA member state for up to 13 weeks (78 days), if the Person Concerned is looking for work there. The Person Concerned must, before leaving, have been registered as an unemployed Jobseeker with the Department Of Social Protection for at least 4 weeks.
The person concerned must complete a U2 form (formerly E 303) - "the authorization to export their unemployment benefits" in their Local Intreo Office prior to leaving. This authorization must be approved prior to travel. On arrival in the new country, the Person Concerned needs to register as a jobseeker with the National Employment Services within 7 days from the date on which they ceased to be available to the Employment Services in the country they left. They must submit their U2 form (formerly E 303) when they register. The same payment amount will then be paid directly into their bank account by EFT in the country where they became unemployed. A person can transfer their JB payment more than once while they are unemployed provided they do not exceed the maximum period of 13 weeks.
931. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection the method by which payments are made to recipients of jobseekers benefit who transfer their payment to another EU country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34129/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseekers Benefit may be transferred to another EEA member state for up to 13 weeks (78 days), if the person concerned is looking for work there. The Person Concerned must, before leaving, have been registered as an unemployed Jobseeker with the Department Of Social Protection for at least 4 weeks.
The person concerned must complete a U2 form (formerly E 303) - "the authorization to export their unemployment benefits" in their Local Intreo Office prior to leaving. This authorization must be approved prior to travel. On arrival in the new country, The Person concerned needs to register as a jobseeker with the National Employment Services within 7 days from the date on which they ceased to be available to the Employment Services in the country they left. They must submit their U2 form (formerly E 303) when they register. The same payment amount will then be paid directly into their bank account by EFT in the country where they became unemployed. They may transfer their JB payment more than once while they are unemployed provided they do not exceed the maximum period of 13 weeks.
933. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a review of disability allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34133/24]
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 medical assessment, means test and habitual residency conditions.
Following a change in the person's circumstances, my Department received supporting documentation, on behalf of the person concerned, on 17 July 2024 along with the request to conduct a review of their DA rate of payment,
Based on the information provided, their DA payment has been increased with effect from 19 June 2024. The first payment of this new rate was issued on 07 August 2024. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 31 July 2024.
Arrears of payment due from 19 June 2024 to 06 August 2024 issued to the person concerned on 01 August 2024.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
934. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a school (details supplied) has not been included in the hot meals programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34154/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement. Following the expansion of the programme in recent years, some 2,723 schools and organisations, covering 472,000 children are now eligible for funding.
As part of this significant expansion plan, all remaining primary schools were contacted last year and requested to submit an expression of interest form if their school is interested in commencing the provision of Hot School Meals. Expressions of interests were received from over 900 primary schools in respect of 150,000 children and late last year these schools were invited to participate in the Hot School Meals Programme from 8th April 2024.
I have since announced details of an additional 168 primary schools to be newly included in the Hot School Meals Programme from September 2024, and my Department contacted the remaining 1,000 primary schools, including the school referred to, who had not yet applied to join the Hot School Meals scheme, asking them to submit expressions of interest in commencing the provision of Hot School Meals. The responses will be reviewed with the aim of including more schools subject to available funding in Budget 2025.
The school referred to has not expressed an interest in joining the scheme to date. Officials from my Department will be happy to engage further with the school to clarify any queries that they may have.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
935. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications and refusals for both disability allowance and invalidity pension, over the past 12 months, broken down by month, in a tabular form. [34159/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested by the Deputy for both Disability Allowance and Invalidity Pension is shown in the below tables:
Table 1 : Disability Allowance
|
Month |
No. of Applications Registered |
No. of Applications Rejected |
No of Applications Awarded |
|
Jul-23 |
2375 |
1337 |
1465 |
|
Aug-23 |
2440 |
1288 |
1350 |
|
Sep-23 |
2440 |
1534 |
1625 |
|
Oct-23 |
2566 |
1302 |
1535 |
|
Nov-23 |
2907 |
1439 |
1646 |
|
Dec-23 |
1890 |
705 |
916 |
|
Jan-24 |
2120 |
1490 |
1434 |
|
Feb-24 |
2440 |
1304 |
1372 |
|
Mar-24 |
2297 |
1373 |
1280 |
|
Apr-24 |
2454 |
2352 |
2032 |
|
May-24 |
2769 |
2363 |
2011 |
|
Jun-24 |
2393 |
1576 |
1482 |
|
Jul-24 |
2662 |
2040 |
1686 |
Table 2 : Invalidity Pension
|
Month |
No. of Applications Registered |
No. of Applications Rejected |
No of Applications Awarded |
|
Jul-23 |
930 |
326 |
489 |
|
Aug-23 |
2199 |
302 |
450 |
|
Sep-23 |
1010 |
399 |
903 |
|
Oct-23 |
915 |
467 |
799 |
|
Nov-23 |
1104 |
432 |
930 |
|
Dec-23 |
630 |
242 |
581 |
|
Jan-24 |
858 |
689 |
893 |
|
Feb-24 |
894 |
566 |
821 |
|
Mar-24 |
823 |
457 |
589 |
|
Apr-24 |
918 |
475 |
637 |
|
May-24 |
811 |
443 |
596 |
|
Jun-24 |
742 |
325 |
489 |
|
Jul-24 |
777 |
424 |
494 |
936. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Social Protection the up-to-date position regarding the rolling out of further hot school meals in schools in Dublin; the number of new schools that are included in the most recent addition of schools; if she will provide a list of all schools in County Dublin now benefitting from the scheme, including the date on which the schools were approved for the programme; the number of schools in County Dublin that remain outside the programme; the number of them that expressed an interest in the programme in the most recent call, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34168/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The Programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement. Following the expansion of the Programme in recent years, some 2,723 schools and organisations, covering 472,000 children are now eligible for funding.
As part of this significant expansion plan, all remaining primary schools were contacted last year and requested to submit an expression of interest form if their school is interested in commencing the provision of Hot School Meals. Expressions of interests were received from over 900 primary schools in respect of 150,000 children and late last year these schools were invited to participate in the Hot School Meals Programme from 8th April 2024.
I have since announced details of an additional 168 primary schools to be newly included in the Hot School Meals Programme from September 2024, and my Department contacted the remaining 1,000 primary schools, who have not yet joined the Hot School Meals scheme asking them to submit expressions of interest in commencing the provision of Hot School Meals. The responses will be reviewed with the aim of including more schools subject to available funding in Budget 2025.
Details of the number of schools in Dublin invited to the Programme in the most recent extension to 168 new schools, a list of schools currently availing of the Programme - including the dates invited to join the scheme - a list of schools who submitted an Expression of interest, and schools that remain outside the Programme who did not submit an Expression of interest, are included in the tabular statements below.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Schools currently in the scheme including the new schools eligible from September 2024 - including the date they were invited to join the scheme
|
Roll Number |
School Name |
COUNTY |
Date invited to scheme |
|
07546J |
Goldenbridge Convent |
DUBLIN 8 |
September 2019 |
|
19601H |
St Philip The Apostle Junior N S |
DUBLIN 15 |
September 2019 |
|
19765O |
St Thomas Senior N S |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2019 |
|
20308Q |
Belmayne Educate Together National School |
DUBLIN 13 |
September 2019 |
|
20056P |
Gaelscoil Phadraig |
CO. ÁTHA CLIATH |
September 2019 |
|
19831B |
Scoil Chaoimhin |
BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 1 |
January 2021 |
|
17603B |
Scoil Iosagain Boys Senior |
DUBLIN 12 |
January 2021 |
|
17464N |
Fionnbarra Naofa B.N.S. |
DUBLIN 7 |
January 2021 |
|
19619D |
St Malachys Ns |
DUBLIN 11 |
January 2021 |
|
19546C |
St Oliver Plunkett N S |
DUBLIN 11 |
January 2021 |
|
19896G |
Scoil Caitriona Na Mbraithre |
DUBLIN 2 |
January 2021 |
|
11578V |
City Quay Ns |
DUBLIN 2 |
January 2021 |
|
19197D |
St Kevins B N S |
DUBLIN 11 |
January 2021 |
|
19669S |
Lady Of Good Counsel Boys Senior Ns |
DUBLIN 12 |
January 2021 |
|
18137D |
S N Naomh Feargal Boys Senior |
DUBLIN 11 |
January 2021 |
|
19015R |
St Josephs G N S |
DUBLIN 11 |
January 2021 |
|
20507W |
St Laurence O'Toole'S National School |
DUBLIN 1 |
January 2021 |
|
18585H |
S N Banrion Na Naingeal 1 |
DUBLIN 10 |
January 2021 |
|
17881G |
Scoil Ui Chonaill Boys Seniors |
DUBLIN 1 |
January 2021 |
|
20104A |
St Audoens Ns |
DUBLIN 8 |
January 2021 |
|
18361I |
Sn Caitriona Girls |
DUBLIN 5 |
January 2021 |
|
17104G |
St Francis Junior National School |
DUBLIN 17 |
January 2021 |
|
19454U |
Darndale Ns Junior |
DUBLIN 17 |
January 2021 |
|
19524P |
Our Lady Immac Sen N S |
DUBLIN 17 |
January 2021 |
|
20139T |
Inchicore Ns |
DUBLIN 10 |
January 2021 |
|
19668Q |
St Francis Senior N S |
DUBLIN 17 |
January 2021 |
|
18362K |
S N Caitriona Naionain |
DUBLIN 5 |
January 2021 |
|
15056L |
S N San Vinseann Cailin |
DUBLIN 1 |
January 2021 |
|
16786H |
St Brigids Primary School |
DUBLIN 8 |
January 2021 |
|
20429F |
St. James'S Primary School |
DUBLIN 8 |
January 2021 |
|
19661C |
St Gabriels Ns |
DUBLIN 10 |
January 2021 |
|
20064O |
Our Lady Of Consolation Ns |
DUBLIN 5 |
January 2021 |
|
19913D |
St Josephs Ns |
DUBLIN 17 |
January 2021 |
|
18726W |
S N Seosamh Na Mbrathar |
DUBLIN 3 |
January 2021 |
|
17355I |
Muire Na Dea Coirle Girls Senior |
DUBLIN 12 |
January 2021 |
|
18360G |
Scoil Bhreandain |
DUBLIN 5 |
January 2021 |
|
17083B |
S N Muire Gan Smal B |
DUBLIN 8 |
January 2021 |
|
19979K |
St Kevins N S |
CO. DUBLIN |
January 2021 |
|
19497P |
Scoil Mhuire |
DUBLIN 18 |
January 2021 |
|
19693P |
Mary Queen Of Ireland N S |
CO DUBLIN |
January 2021 |
|
19643A |
St Philips Senior N S |
DUBLIN 15 |
January 2021 |
|
20302E |
Thornleigh Educate Together National School |
CO. DUBLIN |
January 2021 |
|
19850F |
Ladyswell N S |
DUBLIN 15 |
January 2021 |
|
20307O |
Skerries Educate Together National School |
CO. DUBLIN |
January 2021 |
|
20186F |
Castaheany Educate Together Ns |
DUBLIN 15 |
January 2021 |
|
16983J |
S N Naomh Cillin |
DUBLIN 12 |
January 2021 |
|
19613O |
Scoil Cnoc Mhuire Sin |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2021 |
|
19782O |
St Brigids N S |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2021 |
|
19543T |
S N An Croi Ro Naofa |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2021 |
|
19569O |
Neillstown N S |
DUBLIN 22 |
January 2021 |
|
19652B |
An Chroi Ro Naofa Sois |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2021 |
|
19510E |
Talbot Senior Ns |
DUBLIN 22 |
January 2021 |
|
19872P |
Scoil Chaitlin Maude |
BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 24 |
January 2021 |
|
19702N |
St Thomas Junior N S |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2021 |
|
19707A |
St Ronans N S |
DUBLIN 22 |
January 2021 |
|
19646G |
Scoil Santain |
BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 24 |
January 2021 |
|
20274C |
Esker Educate Together Ns |
CO. DUBLIN |
January 2021 |
|
19878E |
Holy Rosary Primary School |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2021 |
|
18843D |
Bainrion Na Naingal 2 |
DUBLIN 10 |
January 2021 |
|
19775R |
Scoil Cnoc Mhuire Junior |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2021 |
|
19382V |
Scoil Eoin |
DUBLIN 12 |
January 2021 |
|
19799I |
Sacred Heart N S |
DUBLIN 22 |
January 2021 |
|
19590F |
Scoil Mochua |
DUBLIN 22 |
January 2021 |
|
16989V |
Christ The King Girls Senior School |
DUBLIN 7 |
January 2021 |
|
19438W |
Scoil Colmcille Senior |
CO. DUBLIN |
January 2022 |
|
19840C |
Holy Family School |
CO. DUBLIN |
January 2022 |
|
19515O |
S N Naomh Teresa |
CO. DUBLIN |
January 2022 |
|
19582G |
Tallaght Community National School |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2022 |
|
19642V |
St Peter Apostle Sen Ns |
DUBLIN 22 |
January 2022 |
|
20220C |
Gaelscoil Ui Earcain |
BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 11 |
January 2022 |
|
20468P |
St Dominic'S National School |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2022 |
|
13611D |
Presentation Primary School |
DUBLIN 8 |
January 2022 |
|
20091R |
St Peters Ns |
DUBLIN 7 |
January 2022 |
|
20303G |
Lucan East Etns |
COUNTY DUBLIN |
January 2022 |
|
19946S |
Rutland National School |
DUBLIN 1 |
January 2022 |
|
19662E |
St Michaels Ns |
DUBLIN 10 |
January 2022 |
|
19663G |
St Raphaels Ns |
DUBLIN 10 |
January 2022 |
|
19929S |
St Brigids Senior Girls |
DUBLIN 11 |
January 2022 |
|
17356K |
Our Lady Of Good Counsel School |
DUBLIN 12 |
January 2022 |
|
19764M |
Our Lady Of Wayside N S |
DUBLIN 12 |
January 2022 |
|
19605P |
Scoil Nais Mhuire Sois |
DUBLIN 15 |
January 2022 |
|
19694R |
Scoil Mhuire Sin |
DUBLIN 15 |
January 2022 |
|
19743E |
St Bernadettes Junior N S |
DUBLIN 22 |
January 2022 |
|
19785U |
St Bernadettes Senior N S |
DUBLIN 22 |
January 2022 |
|
19577N |
Scoil Iosa |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2022 |
|
15253N |
St Patricks Girls Ns |
DUBLIN 4 |
January 2022 |
|
19935N |
Scoil Eoin |
DUBLIN 5 |
January 2022 |
|
18968A |
St Malachys B N S |
DUBLIN 5 |
January 2022 |
|
09932B |
Stanhope Street Primary School |
DUBLIN 7 |
January 2022 |
|
19933J |
Scoil Treasa Naofa |
DUBLIN 8 |
January 2022 |
|
03917V |
Naomh Padraig Boys |
DUBLIN 4 |
January 2022 |
|
20173T |
St Annes Primary School |
DUBLIN 24 |
January 2022 |
Schools currently in the scheme including the new schools eligible from September 2024 - including the date they were invited to join the scheme cont.
|
15816I |
St Vincents Inf Boys |
DUBLIN 1 |
September 2022 |
|
19834H |
St Aidans Ns |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2022 |
|
17214N |
St. Vincent'S Primary School |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2022 |
|
19390U |
St Marks Sen Ns |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2022 |
|
19472W |
St Marks Junior Mixed |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2022 |
|
19541P |
Belgard Heights N S |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2022 |
|
19837N |
Drimnagh Castle Cbs N S |
DUBLIN 12 |
September 2022 |
|
19865S |
Divine Mercy Junior National School |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2022 |
|
19919P |
St Davids N S |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2022 |
|
20187H |
Divine Mercy Senior National School |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2022 |
|
20450T |
Assumption Junior School |
DUBLIN 12 |
September 2022 |
|
20453C |
Broombridge Educate Together National School |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2022 |
|
20502M |
Scoil Sinead Ns |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2022 |
|
00752A |
Central Senior Mxd N S |
DUBLIN 1 |
September 2023 |
|
01795A |
Central Infs School |
DUBLIN 1 |
September 2023 |
|
05600C |
Clochar San Dominic |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
05933G |
Presentation Primary School |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
12448N |
Gardiner Street Convent |
DUBLIN 1 |
September 2023 |
|
14556D |
South City Cns |
DUBLIN 8 |
September 2023 |
|
16695E |
Scoil Na Mbrathar Boys Senior School |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
16964F |
Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1 |
DUBLIN 12 |
September 2023 |
|
16988T |
Christ The King B N S |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
17110B |
Naomh Lorcan O Tuathail Senior Boys |
DUBLIN 1 |
September 2023 |
|
17459U |
Christ The King I G |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
17465P |
Dominican Convent Girls Senior School |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
17466R |
St Catherines Infant School |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
17683C |
Muire Og 2 Loreto Con |
DUBLIN 12 |
September 2023 |
|
17732M |
Scoil Chiarain |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2023 |
|
17893N |
Sancta Maria C B S |
DUBLIN 8 |
September 2023 |
|
18205R |
S N An Pharoiste |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
18386B |
Marist National School |
DUBLIN 12 |
September 2023 |
|
18477E |
Scoil Na Mbrathar |
DUBLIN 8 |
September 2023 |
|
18682F |
St Canices B N S |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
18683H |
St Canices G N S |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
18910P |
Bantiarna Na Mbuanna Boys |
DUBLIN 9 |
September 2023 |
|
18911R |
Bantiarna Na Mbuanna Girls |
DUBLIN 9 |
September 2023 |
|
18969C |
St Eithnes Senior Girls Ns |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2023 |
|
19037E |
St Monicas N S |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2023 |
|
19208F |
Holy Spirit B N S |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
19209H |
Sn An Spioraid Naiomh C |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
19242F |
Our Lady Of Victories Infant N S |
DUBLIN 9 |
September 2023 |
|
19297H |
Cromcastle Green B N S |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2023 |
|
19298J |
Scoil Nais Ide Cailini |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2023 |
|
19302U |
S N Na Maighdine Muire B |
DUBLIN 9 |
September 2023 |
|
19303W |
Virgin Mary Girls National School |
DUBLIN 9 |
September 2023 |
|
19430G |
Scoil An Tseachtar Laoch |
BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 11 |
September 2023 |
|
19431I |
St Josephs Jnr |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
19489Q |
S N Naomh Finnin |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
19490B |
Scoil Mhuire |
DUBLIN 16 |
September 2023 |
|
19502F |
Scoil Aenghusa Jun Ns |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2023 |
|
19509T |
Scoil Nano Nagle |
DUBLIN 22 |
September 2023 |
|
19545A |
St. Patrick'S Junior Ns |
DUBLIN 15 |
September 2023 |
|
19566I |
Our Lady Queen Of Apostles |
DUBLIN 22 |
September 2023 |
|
19575J |
St Marys Junior N S |
DUBLIN 22 |
September 2023 |
|
19576L |
S N Aenghusa |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2023 |
|
19583I |
St Josephs Senior N S |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
19636D |
St Patricks Senior School |
DUBLIN 15 |
September 2023 |
|
19641T |
Scoil Cholmcille Junior Ns |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
19647I |
St Marys Sen N S |
DUBLIN 22 |
September 2023 |
|
19723V |
Queen Of Angels Primary School |
DUBLIN 16 |
September 2023 |
|
19774P |
St Josephs Mxd N S |
DUBLIN 3 |
September 2023 |
|
19920A |
St John Of God N S |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2023 |
|
19922E |
Our Ladys N S |
DUBLIN 14 |
September 2023 |
|
19924I |
Harolds Cross N S |
DUBLIN 6W |
September 2023 |
|
19938T |
St Josephs |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
19939V |
Scoil Naisiunta An Dea Aoire |
DUBLIN 14 |
September 2023 |
|
19960M |
St Johns N S |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
19981U |
St Marys N S |
DUBLIN 3 |
September 2023 |
|
20015B |
Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna |
BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 9 |
September 2023 |
|
20029M |
St Brigids Infant N S |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
20035H |
St Gabriels N S |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
20047O |
Gaelscoil Bharra |
BAILE ÁTHA CLIATH 7 |
September 2023 |
|
20059V |
Mother Of Divine Grace |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
20092T |
St Ultans Ns |
DUBLIN 10 |
September 2023 |
|
20202A |
Balbriggan Educate Together Ns |
DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
20218P |
St Columbanus National School |
DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
20241K |
Scoil Choilm Community Ns |
DUBLIN 15 |
September 2023 |
|
20281W |
St Benedicts And St Marys National School |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2023 |
|
20282B |
Bracken Educate Together Ns |
DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
20397S |
St Louise De Marillac Primary School |
DUBLIN 10 |
September 2023 |
|
20422O |
Scoil Aoife Cns |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2023 |
|
20436C |
Paradise Place Etns |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
20463F |
Holy Spirit Junior Primary School |
DUBLIN 12 |
September 2023 |
|
20464H |
Holy Spirit Senior Primary School |
DUBLIN 12 |
September 2023 |
|
20488V |
Scoil Úna Naofa |
DUBLIN 12 |
September 2023 |
|
20545H |
St Christopher'S Ns |
DUBLIN 4 |
September 2023 |
|
17971H |
St Michaels Spec School |
DUBLIN 20 |
September 2023 |
|
18210K |
St Michaels House Special School |
DUBLIN 13 |
September 2023 |
|
18317F |
Central Remedial Clinic |
DUBLIN 3 |
September 2023 |
|
18370J |
Enable Ireland Sandymount School |
DUBLIN 4 |
September 2023 |
|
18417J |
St Josephs For Blind Ns |
DUBLIN 9 |
September 2023 |
|
18499O |
St Augustines School |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
18569J |
St Declans Special Sch |
DUBLIN 4 |
September 2023 |
|
18671A |
St Michaels Hse Spec Sc |
DUBLIN 18 |
September 2023 |
|
18763F |
St Michaels Hse Spec Sc |
DUBLIN 9 |
September 2023 |
|
18815V |
Our Lady Of Lourdes School |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
18863J |
Benincasa Special School |
CO DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
18904U |
St Peters Special Sch |
DUBLIN 6 |
September 2023 |
|
19032R |
Stewarts School |
DUBLIN 20 |
September 2023 |
|
19039I |
St Vincents Home Ns |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
19151C |
St John Of God Sp Sch |
DUBLIN 8 |
September 2023 |
|
19325J |
St Ciarans Spec Sch |
DUBLIN 11 |
September 2023 |
|
19355S |
Ballyowen Meadows |
DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
19373U |
St Michaels Hse Sp Sch |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2023 |
|
19409P |
Casa Caterina S S |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
19499T |
St Oliver Plunkett Sp Sc |
CO DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
19500B |
Phoenix Park Specialist School |
DUBLIN 8 |
September 2023 |
|
19520H |
St Josephs Special Sch |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2023 |
|
19705T |
Catherine Mc Auley N Sc |
DUBLIN 2 |
September 2023 |
|
19757P |
St Michaels Spec Sch |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
20010O |
St Roses Special School |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2023 |
|
20028K |
Setanta Special School |
DUBLIN 12 |
September 2023 |
|
20053J |
Cheeverstown Sp Sch |
DUBLIN 6W |
September 2023 |
|
20121A |
Carmona Special National School |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
20279M |
St Michael'S House Special NS Foxfield |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2023 |
|
20372C |
Saplings Special School |
DUBLIN 16 |
September 2023 |
|
20375I |
Abacas Kilbarrack |
DUBLIN 5 |
September 2023 |
|
20378O |
Abacas Special School For Children With Autism |
DUBLIN 24 |
September 2023 |
|
20381D |
Red Door Special School |
CO. DUBLIN |
September 2023 |
|
20495S |
Holy Family School For The Deaf |
DUBLIN 7 |
September 2023 |
|
20548N |
Danu Community Special School |
DUBLIN 15 |
September 2023 |
|
20555K |
Our Lady Of Hope School |
DUBLIN 12 |
September 2023 |
|
20563J |
Libermann Spiritan School |
DUBLIN 6 |
September 2023 |
Schools currently in the scheme including the new schools eligible from September 2024 - including the date they were invited to join the scheme cont.
|
00714P |
Lucan B N S |
CO. DUBLIN |
April 2024 |
|
09492W |
Balscadden N S |
CO. DUBLIN |
April 2024 |
|
11894I |
Scoil Mhuire |
DUBLIN 4 |
April 2024 |
|
12358M |
Swords Borough N S |
CO. DUBLIN |
April 2024 |
|
13217W |
Holy Family National School |
DUBLIN |
April 2024 |
|
13447Q |
Scoil Mhuire |
CO. DUBLIN |
April 2024 |
|
15132B |
Harold Boys N S |
CO. DUBLIN |
April 2024 |
|
15895H |
Drumcondra N S |
DUBLIN 9 |
April 2024 |
|
16267G |
St Patricks Boys National School |
CO. DUBLIN |
April 2024 |
|
16675V |
Scoil Naomh Lucais |
DUBLIN 15 |
April 2024 |
|
16966J |
Scoil Naisiunta Stratford |
DUBLIN 6 |
April 2024 |
|
20571I |
St. Louis National School |
DUBLIN 6 |
April 2024 |
|
17367P |
Mary, Help Of Christians G.N.S. |
DUBLIN 7 |
April 2024 |
|
17507F |
S N Padraig Naofa |
CO. DUBLIN |
April 2024 |
|
17559B |
S N Mhuire |
CO. DUBLIN |
April 2024 |
|
17595F |
Cill Coscain |
CO. DUBLIN |
April 2024 |
|
17785K |
San Nioclas Myra |
DUBLIN 17 |
937. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34181/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I hope the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to comment or intervene in relation to issues specific to an individual pension scheme or pension provider. My Department has no role or function regarding the regulation of financial service providers, including brokers and intermediaries, which are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and are more appropriately addressed to my colleague, the Minister for Finance.
Where somebody feels they have been treated unfairly by a particular pensions provider, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). One of the main roles of the FSPO is to investigate, mediate and adjudicate complaints about the conduct of regulated financial service or pension providers. Investigations by the FSPO are free of charge to the consumer.
The Pensions Authority is the regulatory body charged with the supervision of pension schemes and has the necessary powers under statute to investigate the conduct of a pension scheme should it become aware that a scheme is not in compliance with the provisions of the Pensions Act. Where a pension scheme member is of the view that the scheme is not in compliance with legislative requirements he or she may make a formal complaint to the Pensions Authority.
The availability of comprehensive and transparent information on fees and charges is important and helps consumers to decide whether investments represent value for money. It is recognised that improved transparency in relation to fees and better outcomes for pension savers is always desirable.
Pension scheme trustees and administrators have responsibility for achieving good outcomes for the members and beneficiaries of their scheme. Scheme costs have an important bearing on these outcomes, and therefore trustees and administrators should know the costs that their pension scheme is incurring and be able to justify the value received for these costs.
The Deputy may be aware that in March 2021, I wrote to the Pensions Council to ask for its views on the merits of introducing an initiative similar to the Cost Transparency Initiative in the UK for pension providers in Ireland and whether such an initiative should be on a voluntary or mandatory basis. The Pensions Council July 2022 ‘Report on Cost Transparency’ recognised that mandatory disclosure may take time to achieve and recommended that any such initiative should initially operate on a voluntary basis.
In order to identify the appropriate policy responses to the measures contained in the Pensions Council report, the Pensions Authority engaged with the pensions industry on the issue of costs transparency. Arising from that engagement, the Irish Association of Pension Funds (‘IAPF’) recently announced that it is supporting and facilitating the introduction of a Cost Transparency Standard (‘CTS’) in Ireland which will enable trustees and administrators to better understand the investment costs they pay and to benchmark these costs against their peers. The Pensions Authority has committed, through its supervisory activity, to closely monitor the success of the CTS. In the longer term, in the event that the Pensions Authority is of the view that cost disclosure and comparability under the CTS are not adequate, the Pensions Authority will advise my Department of any legislative change in this area it considers may be necessary.
Of course, in addition to the CTS, there are already existing requirements imposed on scheme trustees in relation to the disclosure of information to scheme members in relation to costs as set out in –
• the Occupational Pension Scheme (Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2006 [S.I. No. 301 of 2006] made under the Pensions Act 1990;
• Regulations 31 to 37 of S.I. No. 128 of 2021 which requires trustees to provide members (active and deferred) with an annual Pension Benefit Statement (PBS) including information in respect of pension projections and costs incurred by the scheme.
In relation to PRSAs, standard PRSAs have predetermined charging structures. In a standard PRSA, as per Section 104 of the Pensions Act, total charges are already capped in two ways - a 5% cap on each contribution and a maximum of 1% per year on the fund value.
The 2012 Report on Pension Charges in Ireland, undertaken by the Department of Social Protection in consultation with the Pensions Authority and the Central Bank, considered the scale and variability of pension charges across different types of pension arrangements. The report stated that the most transparent product from a charges information perspective is the PRSA. Both its charging structures and rates are addressed in regulation and the information provided in relation to them in the Statement of Reasonable Projection is relatively transparent.
In relation to Automatic Enrolment (AE), as Minister, I am keenly aware of the need to keep costs in the AE system low and transparent for its participants. A core objective for AE is to provide quality assured investment services for retirement savings at low cost to AE participants. This is especially true given that a large proportion of the initial 800,000 employees in the AE target population are lower and medium income earners. The recently enacted Automatic Enrolment (AE) Retirement Savings System Act provides for the payment of fees under this Act to be prescribed by regulations. To this end, my Department is currently designing the fee structure to ensure that fees are minimised as far as possible through competitive tendering processes for the management of funds and economies of scale for the operation of the system. Accordingly, the suggestion made in the correspondence to the Deputy that an annual management charge of 0.9% will be applied to AE is incorrect - this is not a figure quoted by my Department and it would appear that the Deputy's correspondent misread the information when relying on a third party website.
I hope that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
938. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the case of a school (details supplied); the reason the school is not on the hot meals programme; when the school will be part of the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34182/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra956. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the application of a school (details supplied), to provide hot school meals to students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34464/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 938 and 956 together.
I have grown the Hot School Meals Programme from a small pilot project to a nationwide programme now approved in 2,200 primary schools nationwide.
In April 2024, my Department contacted the remaining 1,000 primary schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy, who have not yet joined the Hot School Meals scheme, asking them if they wished to submit an expression of interest in commencing the provision of Hot School Meals. I can confirm the school referred to has expressed an interest in joining the scheme.
My Department is currently collating the responses received under this year's Expression of Interest process with the aim of including more schools subject to available funding in Budget 2025.
940. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider the provision of fuel allowance for carers who do not live with the person they care for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34194/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €382 million in 2024. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. Only one allowance is paid per household.
The criteria for Fuel Allowance are framed in order to direct the limited resources available to my Department in as targeted a manner as possible. This ensures that the Fuel Allowance payment goes to those who are more vulnerable to fuel poverty including those reliant on social protection payments for longer periods and who are unlikely to have additional resources of their own.
Fuel Allowance is a household-based payment. Disability Allowance is a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance and a carer will very often live with and care for the person in receipt of Disability Allowance, therefore already benefitting from Fuel Allowance.
While schemes such as Fuel Allowance are reviewed on an ongoing basis and suggested changes to the qualifying criteria are always considered, any further changes to the criteria for accessing the Fuel Allowance scheme can only be considered while taking account of the overall policy and budgetary situation.
The Government values the role of carers very much and it is for this reason that they receive significant income supports from the Department. In addition to Carer’s Allowance, carers receive additional support in the form of free travel and household benefits (for those who live with the person for whom they care) and the annual Carer's Support Grant (€1,850) in respect of each person for whom they care.
941. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34216/24]
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 12th June 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 7th August 2024, and the case has been 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.
942. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if approval of an application for carer's allowance for a person (details supplied), now under appeal for quite some time, will be expedited. [34227/24]
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 1st July 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 7th July 2024, and the case has been 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.
943. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection the guidelines for payment entitlements for a person (details attached); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34233/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rules regarding work while receiving illness or disability related supports vary depending on the specific payment.
Disability Allowance (DA) is a means-tested payment for people aged 16 to 65 with a disability that substantially restricts their ability to work. DA recipients are encouraged to engage in employment or self-employment. There are no restrictions on weekly working hours for DA recipients. The scheme allows for income disregards: 100% of the first €165 earned per week is disregarded, 50% of earnings between €165 and €375 are disregarded, and any amount over €375 is assessed in full for the means test.
These provisions aim to support individuals with illnesses or disabilities in engaging with work to the extent they are able, while still providing necessary income support.
Illness Benefit (IB) is a short-term scheme for people who cannot work due to illness and meet certain social insurance contribution conditions. Generally, recipients cannot work while on IB. However, after claiming IB for at least 6 months, individuals may apply for Partial Capacity Benefit (PCB) to undertake some work, with no restrictions on the number of hours worked.
Invalidity Pension (IP) is for those permanently incapable of work due to illness or incapacity, provided they meet the required social insurance contributions. Like IB, recipients cannot work while on IP, but they can apply for PCB if they wish to work.
PCB is designed to allow IB and IP recipients to engage in some level of employment while still receiving income support. Eligibility depends on a medical assessment of the individual's capacity for work. If assessed as having a moderate, severe, or profound disability, the payment continues at 50%, 75%, or 100% of the existing rate, respectively. Those assessed as having a mild disability do not qualify for PCB.
For IP recipients, PCB can be paid for up to three years. There are no restrictions on weekly working hours or earnings. If recipients find they cannot continue working due to their medical condition, they can return to their original payment.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
944. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if payment status for a person (details supplied) entitles them to a free television licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34234/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Household Benefits Package consists of the Free TV licence and the Electricity or Gas allowance.
To qualify for the Household Benefits Package, an applicant under 66 years of age must satisfy a number of qualifying conditions, one of which requires the applicant to be in receipt of one of the following payments:
- Disability Allowance
- Invalidity Pension
- Blind Pension
- Carer’s Allowance (if living with the person being cared for)
- Incapacity Supplement with Disablement Pension (for at least 12 months)
- Equivalent Social Security Payment from a country covered by EU Laws or from a country Ireland has a Social Security Agreement with
AND
• If applicable, living with a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant
An applicant’s spouse/civil partner or cohabitant must be a “Qualified Adult”.
A spouse/civil partner or cohabitant is regarded as a “Qualified Adult” for the purposes of the Household Benefits Package if:
• The applicant is receiving an increase for a Qualified Adult with their social welfare payment for this person, or would have received an increase but for the fact that the spouse/civil partner or cohabitant is in receipt of a Social Welfare payment in their own right.
OR
• The spouse/civil partner/cohabitant is in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment in their own right
OR
• A means test is satisfied, if the spouse/civil partner/cohabitant is on a benefit payment or is aged over 66.
The person concerned can apply online at MyWelfare.ie for the Household Benefits Package if they have a verified MyGovID account, or they can complete an application form.
Application forms are available to download from the Gov.ie website or, alternatively, from any Intreo Centre or by contacting the Household Benefits Section by telephone at 0818 200 400 or by email at householdbenefits@welfare.ie.
On receipt of their claim, the person's entitlement will be examined and they will be notified of the outcome without delay.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
945. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if domiciliary care allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied). [34239/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that an application for DCA in respect of their child was received by my Department from the person concerned on 5 June 2024.
Following a successful application, DCA was awarded with effect from 1 July 2024 (month following receipt of the application) as provided for under legislation and the person concerned was notified of that decision in writing on 4 July 2024.
The applicant requested a review in relation to the backdating of the award date of their claim.
Following a review, including the subsequent correspondence received from the applicant in support of their request for backdating, a Deciding Officer decided not to revise the effective award date of 1 July 2024, as per review decision dated 14 August 2024. The person concerned was notified of this review decision in writing on 14 August 2024 and of their right to request a further review and / or to appeal the decision.
A request for a further review in relation to the backdating of the award date, including additional information in support of their request, was subsequently received from the person concerned.
Following this review, a Deciding Officer decided to revise the effective date of award and backdated the entitlement by 2 months, effective to 1 May 2024, as per further decision dated 03 September 2024. Backdating of entitlement (2 months) was allowed, as provided for under social welfare legislation, following consideration of the additional information that was subsequently submitted by the person concerned in their further correspondence.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
