Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:1002. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of recipients of child benefit in each of the years 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [35436/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (1002)
Freagraí scríofa
Child 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 and 17 if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves. In May 2024, Child Benefit became payable to 18 year olds.
The number of recipients of Child Benefit for the years 2019 to 2023 and to date in 2024 is set out in the table below.
|
Date |
No of Recipients |
No of Children |
|
31/12/2019 |
637,007 |
1,216,475 |
|
31/12/2020 |
633,456 |
1,206,848 |
|
31/12/2021 |
630,633 |
1,197,939 |
|
31/12/2022 |
648,053 |
1,220,978 |
|
31/12/2023 |
656,057 |
1,226,750 |
|
31/07/2024 |
678,054 |
1,278,738 |
I trust this clarifies the position for the deputy.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (1003)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:1003. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider omitting the carer’s allowance from being means-tested, particularly when parents are applying for the back-to-school allowance, given that parents who work 18 hours at a basic wage are negatively impacted by this means test when carer’s allowance is included in the assessments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35478/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The scheme operates from June to September each year.
In order to qualify for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, an applicant must satisfy a number of qualifying conditions, one of which requires the applicant’s household income to be within the relevant income limits.
The Weekly Household Income Limits for 2024 are:
|
No. of Children |
Income Limit |
|
1 child |
€666.00 |
|
2 children |
€720.00 |
|
3 children |
€774.00 |
|
4 children* |
€828.00 |
*Limit is increased by €54 for each additional child
The household income includes weekly social protection payments, including Carer's Allowance, gross income from employment, minus employees PRSI and a €20 travel allowance and any other income the household may have.
Any income from Child Benefit, Rent Supplement, Working Family Payment, Back to Work Family Dividend, Guardian’s Payments, Domiciliary Care Allowance, Blind Welfare Allowance, Foster Care Allowance, Higher Level Education grants, or rehabilitative employment (up to €165 per week) is not assessable.
Any proposed changes to the means testing of the scheme would have to be considered in a wider budgetary context and within the scope of the overall resources available for welfare improvements.
Applications which fall outside the normal rules of the scheme may be considered for an Additional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service. There is a National Community Welfare Service Contact Centre in place – 0818-607080 – which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Community Welfare Services
Ceisteanna (1004)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:1004. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of WTE community welfare officers in Longford and Westmeath in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the locations in which they operate, in tabular form. [35500/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The delivery of locally based Community Welfare Services (CWS) to meet the needs of citizens across the country including in counties Longford and Westmeath is a priority for me and for my Department. The CWS provides a flexible service to meet the different needs of people, who may find themselves in a financially difficult or vulnerable situation. It is important that this service is easily accessible and responsive to people's needs. The number of Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) engaged in the delivery of CWS in Counties Longford and Westmeath from 2022 to date are as follows:
|
Year |
No. CWOs in Longford |
No. CWOs in Co. Westmeath |
|
2022 |
4 |
7 |
|
2023 |
4 |
8 from Jan-Sept9 in Oct & Nov10 in Dec |
|
2024 |
4 |
10 in Jan11 from Feb to date |
The CWOs in Co Westmeath are based in Athlone and Mullingar while the Co. Longford CWOs are based in Longford town. These and the CWOs across the country are physically on site daily in over 50 Intreo Centres across the country where they are available to be seen without an appointment, during business hours, Monday to Friday. In addition to meeting citizens in Intreo Centres and DSP offices, CWOs can facilitate an appointment within a short time of a person requiring such a meeting, at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home or indeed where facilities are in place, at their local Social Welfare Branch Office.
While local face-to-face engagement with people continues to be a cornerstone of the CWS, it is important to mention that a person does not need to meet with a CWO to make an application for assistance and any person, located anywhere across the Country, who needs to access the CWS can call the National CWS freephone number at 0818 60 70 80, to make an appointment or to speak directly to a CWO. A person can speak with a CWO over the phone if they do not wish to travel to meet with a CWO in person.
A person can make an application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) by completing a SWA1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Social Welfare Branch Offices. This form can also be requested by calling freephone 0818 60 70 80 or at this link: www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. The completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly.
As you may be aware, a person can also now apply online for an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) via www.MyWelfare.ie. This service means that there is no requirement for a person to travel to make a claim if that is their preference.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (1005)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1005. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection for an urgent update on carer’s allowance review for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35543/24]
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.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the person being cared for must have such disability that they require full-time care and attention. This is defined as requiring from another person continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
I confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 02 November 2023.
As part of the decision process, the application was referred for the professional opinion of a Department Medical Assessor (MA). The claim was disallowed as the Deciding Officer (DO), having regard to the opinion of the Medical Assessor, decided that the information supplied did not show that the care recipient required full time care.
The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 05 December 2023. 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 (SWAO).
On 17 July 2024 a review was requested and further medical evidence was submitted to the Department. The application, along with the further medical evidence, was referred for the professional opinion of a Department MA. The DO, having regard to the opinion of the MA, decided that the additional information supplied did not show that the care recipient required full time care. The decision remained unchanged.
A request to appeal this decision was lodged with the Department and forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The file was sent to the SWAO on 20 August 2024.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (1006)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1006. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on a disability allowance appeal with the appeals department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35544/24]
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 .
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the disability allowance appeal of the person concerned on 6th March 2024.
Under social welfare legislation a decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive. However, it may be reviewed by an Appeals Officer under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 in the light of new evidence or new facts.
On 12th March 2024, further medical information was received pertaining to the appellant and as a result a Section 317 Review of the appeal officer's decision was opened on 12th June 2024. This matter has been assigned to an Appeals Officer and once a decision is made on this Section 317 review, the appellant will be notified in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (1007)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1007. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the maximum amount a person (details supplied) is entitled to earn without affecting their working family payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35545/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Working Family Payment (WFP), formerly Family Income Supplement, is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment the customer must have at least one qualified child who normally resides with them and be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment.
WFP for the person concerned was awarded from 2 May 2024 based on an income assessment at the time of application. Once WFP is awarded, the weekly rate of payment remains the same for 52 weeks while the customer continues in qualifying employment, working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight.
An increase in earnings will not impact their rate of payment but will be considered if a renewal application is received in 2025.
WFP Renewal customers are invited to reapply in advance of the renewal date giving applicants an opportunity to apply, source relevant information and the rate of payment is assessed on their income at this date.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (1008)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1008. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a working family payment has been refused for a person (details supplied), given their child is living with them on a full-time basis and not with their mother since April 2024; if the case can be reviewed promptly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35547/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Working Family Payment (WFP), formerly Family Income Supplement, is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment the customer must have at least 1 qualified child who normally resides with them and be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment.
A request for a review of a WFP decision has been received by the Department and is assigned to a Deciding Officer. Further information was requested by email from the person concerned on 02 September 2024. When the requested information is received, the Deciding Officer will review the claim and the person concerned will be advised in writing of the claim decision and, if awarded, any payments owed will be issued as arrears to their nominated bank account.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (1009)
Leo Varadkar
Ceist:1009. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social Protection given her Department's large over-estimation of the cost of new measures in recent years (details supplied), whether she has initiated any review or actions to better understand the reasons for these over-estimates, whether she believes they might be cultural to the Department and if she can give any reassurance that the cost of the social welfare package for 2025 will not also be over-estimated or over-stated. [35582/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is widely recognised that forecasting the cost of new Budget measures is an exercise fraught with uncertainty.
In the case of measures referenced by the Deputy, all involve:
• the costings of measures where a new benefit/service was being offered to a new, and sometimes unknown, cohort of the population.
• a costing for which the Department’s data was limited to current recipients or those with whom it offered existing benefits or services.
• costings on which the data required to estimate or model the eligible population was unavailable.
• costings where, even when the eligible population is identifiable, the behavioural response to the roll-out of the measure is impossible to anticipate, particularly in the first year.
All of the measures concerned were discussed and agreed between the then Ministers for Social Protection, the then Ministers for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and ultimately agreed by Government as part of the Budget.
Inevitably, given the uncertainty engendered by these factors, it will always be possible to select some new measures over the past decade where the expected costs are higher or lower than what transpired.
As of the end August 2024, the Department’s financial position in 2024 year to date is within 0.009% of its estimated expenditure for 2024, to the tune of some €17 billion, a budget which included estimation of expenditure for existing level of service, 8 lump sums and 13 new budget measures as part of Budget 2024.
In February, the Parliamentary Budget Office published its second annual report assessing Budget measure costing methodologies across Departments. This report assesses budget costings across all Departments and factors in their analysis of the various dimensions of uncertainty associated with such projections, including data uncertainty, behavioural uncertainty and modelling uncertainty.
Across 13 measures, each rated across 3 dimensions, giving 39 points of analysis, my Department’s estimates were independently rated as 21 elements of low uncertainty, 17 elements of medium uncertainty, and only 1 element of high uncertainty.
As Minister, I certainly do not want to see good Budget proposals curtailed or diluted due to over-estimation of the cost. While there are certain examples where the Department has over-estimated costs, there are other examples where it has under-estimated. I can assure the Deputy that my Department makes every effort to accurately identify the costs of new measures, notwithstanding the complexity inherent in the exercise.
It would appear that the Parliamentary Budget Office is of the view that it does so to a very satisfactory level.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (1010)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1010. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will commit to a full review of the capital disregard for all social welfare payments given the rate of inflation since these thresholds were last reviewed. [35587/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Means test rules in my Department are kept under regular review and I have introduced a number of significant changes in recent years including:
• Providing for higher income disregards. These disregards ensure that, where people are in receipt of a social assistance payment and are working, their income from work up to the level of the income disregard, is not assessed in the means test.
• Expanding the list of agri-environmental schemes that qualify for a disregard, and as part of Budget 2023 I increased this disregard.
• Introduced a Rent a Room disregard, for all Social Protection schemes, to enable recipients to support those arriving from Ukraine, and others, in a tight housing market. Earlier this year, I extended that provision for a further two years.
• From January 2023, I introduced significant changes to eligibility rules for Fuel Allowance, including a new means threshold for people aged 70 years and over - €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple. These changes resulted in an additional 35,000 households joining the scheme so far.
• I also significantly increased the income and capital disregards for Carer's Allowance. This enables more carers with modest incomes to become eligible for the scheme and allows carers and their families to earn more from employment while retaining their carer’s payment.
As part of Budget 2024, I further increased the Carer's Allowance disregard to €450 for a single person, and €900 for carers with a spouse/partner from June.
In the case of the means assessment for a personal rate of the State Pension (Non-contributory), the first €20,000 (€40,000 for a couple) of capital an applicant holds is fully disregarded; the next €10,000 is assessed at €1 per thousand, the next €10,000 is assessed at €2 per thousand, with the remainder assessed at €4 per thousand.
My Department is currently undertaking a broad review of means testing. This review is ongoing and the outcome of the review will be used to inform decisions regarding any further changes to means testing, although all prospective changes to means testing arrangements will have to be considered in both an overall policy and budgetary context.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (1011)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:1011. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider a review of the requirements for fuel allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35589/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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 Fuel Allowance is paid to social welfare recipients such as pensioners, people with disabilities, lone parents and the long-term unemployed in recognition of their long-term financial dependence on their social welfare payment for all or most of their income. People on long term payments are unlikely to have additional resources of their own and are more vulnerable to poverty, including energy poverty. It is for this reason that my Department allocates additional payments, supports and resources such as Fuel Allowance to this cohort of claimants.
While schemes such as Fuel Allowance are reviewed on an ongoing basis, there are no plans to change the qualifying criteria for Fuel Allowance for those aged under 70 to allow for Fuel Allowance to be paid to those who are in employment and who are not in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment.
My Department does provide Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who have essential expenses, which they cannot meet from their own resources. Additional Needs Payments, where appropriate, can be paid to people who face difficulties in meeting fuel bills.
The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered. This ensures that support is provided to people with the greatest financial need.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (1012)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:1012. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an invalidity pension appeal by a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35599/24]
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.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 2nd July 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers 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 3rd July 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.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (1013)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1013. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when it is proposed to re-tender for the contract to deliver the over-the-counter services to social welfare recipients presently held by An Post; whether the terms of reference of this tender have yet been drafted; whether it is intended to refer them to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development and the Islands for comment and suggestion before finalising them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35616/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides two main payment options for its customers: payment in cash at post offices or payment directly into customer accounts by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). Last year, approximately 69% of all Social Welfare payments were made by EFT and 31% were by cash collection at post offices. A small number of ad hoc payments were also made by cheque.
Cash payments are governed by the Department’s Cash Payment Services Contract with An Post. This contract was signed in December 2019 and came into effect on 1 January 2020. The agreement allows me, as Minister, to extend the term of the contract on an annual basis up to the end of 2025.
The Department is required by law to go to public tender for the provision of cash payment services from 1 January 2026. The award of public sector contracts with a significant financial value is subject to numerous EU Directives. Public procurement rules ensure that the taxpayer receives value for money and ensures that all potential suppliers are given the opportunity to put forward the most efficient, effective, and competitive solutions for consideration and evaluation.
My officials are currently drafting a new tender document which it is planned to issue by open competitive procedure in the first quarter of 2025. It is intended that the business specifications of the new tender document will retain the existing Department requirements for cash payments, including that any bidder is obliged to maintain a network of outlets so as to ensure that 95% of welfare clients are within 15km of a post office in a rural area and within 3km of an outlet in an urban area.
I welcome submissions from any Oireachtas member who wishes to make general submissions to my Department on its payment policy. However, in accordance with procurement best practice and the need to ensure the integrity of the procurement process, I do not believe that it would be wise to discuss the details of draft tenders at Committees.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (1014)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1014. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if eligibility for guardianship payment can be reviewed, with a view to awarding payment in the case of a person (details supplied), given the vast amount of evidence available in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35648/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Guardians payment is made to a person caring for a child who satisfies the definition of an “orphan” under social welfare legislation. A child is considered an orphan if they are under 18 (or 22 if in full time education) and both parents are deceased; or one parent is either dead or unknown or has abandoned and failed to provide for the child and the other parent is unknown or has abandoned and failed to provide for the child.
It was decided on the 14th August 2024 that the person concerned was not entitled to a guardians payment in respect of the child. From the evidence available to the Deciding Officer, the care arrangements in place did not constitute parental abandonment on the part of the child's father. The person concerned has been afforded the opportunity to seek a review of the decision and send in any documentary evidence to support her claim. She has also been afforded the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Independent Chief Appeals Officer.
The guardians payment application is again being reviewed by a Deciding Officer. On completion of the review the person concerned will be notified of outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (1015)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:1015. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of WTE staff, by grade and gender, working in the national Intreo contact centre. [35676/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Intreo Contact Centre (NICC) provides a single point of phone contact for customers who are making enquiries to Intreo Centres in relation to services and payments for people of working age. It also operates the National Community Welfare Service (NCWS) phoneline and the MyWelfare Support Helpline. Staff of the NICC are located at various locations across the country.
Please find below an outline of staffing within the NICC as requested.
|
Grade |
Male WTE |
Female WTE |
Total WTE |
|
AP |
1 |
1 |
|
|
HEO |
2 |
5.9 |
7.9 |
|
EO |
2 |
10.6 |
12.6 |
|
CO |
12.3 |
36.5 |
48.8 |
|
TCO |
10 |
9 |
19 |
|
Total |
26.3 |
63 |
89.3 |
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (1016)
Pauline Tully
Ceist:1016. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has actively engaged with school leavers with disabilities over the age of 18 years as part of the early engagement process, in line with Action A12.2 of the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-2026. [35724/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides employment supports and services to jobseekers and employers through the Intreo Employment Service. Intreo offers a wide range of supports to assist jobseekers, including those with a disability, to find work.
In July 2022, an early engagement process was introduced, the process was targeted initially at young jobseekers with disabilities. Disability Allowance (DA) recipients aged between 18 and 25 received a letter informing them of the Intreo Employment Service and inviting them to meet with a Designated Disability Employment Personal Advisors. Early engagement is now focused on contacting those people who are in receipt of DA for six months or more. To date in the region of 30,000 people were contacted by Intreo under early engagement.
Engagement with the service is voluntary but where a person wishes to participate they will receive an individualised, case managed employment service from an Employment Personal Adviser. The service is personalised to the needs of the jobseeker and provided in Intreo centres nationwide. The Employment Personal Adviser discuss education and training options, job and work placement opportunities and access to supports such as the Work and Access Scheme, Jobsplus and the Employability service as appropriate.
While this engagement is targeted to recipients of Disability Allowance, any person who wishes to avail of employment supports and services can contact their local Intreo Centre.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (1017)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:1017. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have had disability allowance payments removed because they were found to be in excess of the means because of their partner, by county in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the general amount in excess calculated, in tabular form. [35753/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While it is acknowledged that most people on a social welfare payment are claiming the correct entitlement due to them, my Department has a duty to ensure that it pays the right person, the right amount of money, at the right time. Therefore, it is important that all schemes are subject to on-going control reviews and eligibility checks.
Just over 7,500 control reviews were carried out on Disability Allowance in 2022 of which 173 reviews led to a termination of the payment due to means in excess of the prescribed limits. In 2023, from just over 10,300 control reviews, 208 payments were terminated, and in 2024, up to end of June, from just over 5,800 control reviews, 247 payments were terminated. In the case of the payments terminated it is not possible to segregate whether it was as a result of the means of the customer or their partner, or the general amount in excess, without examining each case individually.
Control reviews are not collated by County.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (1018)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:1018. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available for people on disability in rural areas, to ensure they can afford transport to hospital appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35807/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system, in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. This can include assistance with transport costs incurred for attending hospital appointments where there are no other supports available.
The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.
In considering an Additional Needs Payment application for assistance with transport costs incurred for attending hospital appointments, the Community Welfare Officer considers any alternatives available to the customer, including transport services offered by the Health Service Executive, other community development initiatives and the applicant's access to the Free Travel Scheme.
While there is no statutory requirement for the Health Service Executive to provide Patient Transport Services, transport services can be provided on a discretionary basis. Examples of cases where transport services can be provided include where a patient’s medical condition impacts to such an extent that necessitates the use of Patient Transport Services, and where the cost of travelling to a service would cause undue hardship to the patient.
The affordability of such services, which must be within financial limits of the local Community Healthcare Organisations, must ultimately be made by the budget holder within the Community Healthcare Organisation. Such decisions must also be made in line with other related policies and legislation. To avail of transport services, a person’s medical needs must be assessed by a Health Care Professional (e.g., General Practitioner).
Specific ‘Health Appointment Service’ transport is operated by Local Link in some parts of the country. In addition, the National Cancer Control Programme manages and delivers Ireland’s cancer programme for the Health Service Executive. The National Cancer Control Programme funds a travel scheme to help some patients pay for costs incurred travelling to cancer tests and treatment.
The Free Travel scheme provides free travel on all public transport owned by the State. Free travel is also available on some services operated by private bus and ferry transport operators. There are over one million customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2024 is €104 million.
It is important to note that, in general, access to a free travel pass for those aged under 66 is linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carers Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit.
In general, it is expected that persons attending hospital appointments should make their own arrangements for journeys by using Public Transport or Local Link transport in rural areas. Where a person who is required to attend the medical appointment has more serious medical issues that prevents them from using public transport, it would be expected that a suitable method of transport would be arranged by their medical team.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (1019)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:1019. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline the levels of maternity benefit and maternity leave, of paternity benefit and leave, of parental benefit and parental leave which shall apply during 2025; and if there are any anticipated changes in any of these due to take place during 2025. [35821/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Maternity Benefit its payable for 26 weeks to employees, who are on Maternity Leave from work, and the self-employed, where they satisfy the Pay Related Social Insurance contributions and other qualifying conditions. A further 14 weeks unpaid Maternity Leave is also available.
Paternity Leave and Benefit are available to eligible parents for two weeks.
Since August, nine weeks Parent’s Leave and Benefit is available to both parents, subject to the qualifying conditions. It must be availed of within two years of the child’s birth or adoption. Parental Leave is a separate scheme of 26 weeks unpaid leave which must be taken before the child’s 12th birthday.
Maternity, Paternity and Parent’s Benefit are currently paid at €274 per week. The rates of these and other social welfare payments are considered each year as part of the annual Budget process. Where rates are changed in the Budget, the changes generally take effect from the following January.
Any changes to any of the leave arrangements would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth.
I trust this clarifies the position.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (1020)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:1020. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered extending the period during which domiciliary care allowance can be paid beyond the 16th birthday for those who continue in full-time education and do not wish to seek eligibility for disability allowance which is paid on an entirely different criteria, so it would be on similar years as for the standard child benefit. [35825/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department provides the Domiciliary Care Allowance which is a monthly payment to a parent or guardian for a child aged up to 16 who has a severe disability and requires care and attention substantially over and above that required by other children their age.
From January 2024, the rate of Domiciliary Care Allowance increased from €330 to €340 per month. This monthly payment has increased by €30.50 under this Government. As of August, there were 55,995 families in receipt of the payment in relation to 63,042 children. Expenditure in 2024 is estimated at almost €274 million.
Domiciliary Care Allowance ceases to be payable when a child reaches 16 years of age. The young person can then apply for Disability Allowance if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Disability Allowance is a long-term disability payment which is subject to a means test, medical assessment and a habitual residency requirement.
One of the key proposals in the Green Paper on Disability Reform, that I published last year, was to extend Domiciliary Care Allowance to 18 years of age. In line with this change, the Paper proposed to also raise the qualifying age for Disability Allowance to age 18.
The Green Paper was a consultation document. Based on the feedback I received during the public consultation, it became clear that there were significant concerns about the proposals in the Green Paper. Among these concerns, people in particular questioned whether it was appropriate to reform the system of disability payments separate to a wider consideration of other challenges faced by people with disabilities, including transport, health, education and access to employment.
I listened to these concerns and, in April, I announced that we would not proceed any further with the proposals.
As a Government, we now need to have a fresh look at how we can support people with disabilities. The Taoiseach has established a Cabinet Committee on Children and Education and Disability. Any reform of disability payments, including Domiciliary Care Allowance, will now be considered as part of this broader review of disability matters on a whole-of-government basis. Officials in my Department are currently analysing the feedback collated during the Green Paper process. This feedback will be shared with the new Committee.
It should also be noted that since May 2024, Child Benefit is payable for a child who is in full-time education, or who has a disability, up until their 19th birthday.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (1021)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:1021. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the terms on which a full-time carer can be considered for pension eligibility based on their years of caring; if contributions during years of full-time caring can be mixed with contributions of other sorts; and if minimum paid insurance requirements are different where a mixed contribution record applies. [35827/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government acknowledges the important role that carers, play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, once a person has met the minimum requirement of 520 paid contributions, the current State Pension (Contributory) system provides measures including PRSI credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate.
Despite these measures, some long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension (Contributory). They may, for example, have difficulty establishing the minimum number of 520 paid contributions.
I was very pleased that legislation to give effect to a number of important State Pension reforms was enacted last December. A key measure introduced under this legislation is enhanced State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years.
Since January 2024, long-term carers contributions (LTCCs) can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person for a period of 20 years (1040 weeks) or more and these contributions can be used towards the calculation of their State Pension (Contributory) entitlement. This is done by attributing the equivalent of a paid contribution to long-term carers of incapacitated dependents to cover gaps in their contribution record. These long-term carers contributions will be treated the same as paid contributions for State Pension (Contributory) entitlement only and can, where there are gaps in paid contributions, be used to satisfy the minimum 520 qualifying contributions condition.
The long-term carers' contributions can be used in conjunction with other paid or credited contributions to increase a person’s rate of payment. For example a person who had 30 years’ worth of LTCCs would be paid the maximum rate of contributory pension if they had 10 years’ worth of paid contributions from employment of self-employment.
For those who have a mixed record of reduced rate Class B or D contributions, in addition to full rate contributions (e.g. Class A, or Class S), a minimum of 260 (5 years) qualifying contributions paid at the full rate is required to access a mixed-rate State Pension (Contributory). Once an individual has met the 260 qualifying contribution threshold, they will be entitled to a pro-rata rate of State Pension (Contributory) based on their contribution record.
Where a person qualifies for a pro-rata State pension, they may also be eligible to apply for homecaring periods or homemaker disregards for time out of work to provide full-time care.
Assessment for eligibility for a State Pension (Contributory) payment, including a mixed insurance pro-rata State Pension, will, in all cases, depend on the individual's circumstances, including when he or she has reached / will reach State Pension age and their social insurance history.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.