Written Answers Nos. 222-233
222. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to the Exchequer annually of introducing a new half-rate fuel allowance for those with an income of €100 above the existing thresholds. [37188/24]
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. To qualify for the Fuel Allowance payment, a person must satisfy all the qualifying criteria including the household composition criteria and a means test.
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.
Due to the Department not holding household means or household composition data for all households, it is very difficult to cost this measure. Taking this into consideration and using data relating to 2023 Fuel Allowance applications, it is tentatively estimated that an additional 5,000 households would qualify for a half rate Fuel Allowance payment of €462 a year. The estimated yearly cost of this measure is €2.31 million.
Any decision to introduce the measure outlined by the Deputy would have budgetary implications and would have to be considered from an overall policy and budgetary context.
In Budget 2023, there was a significant increase in the allowable means for Fuel Allowance purposes allowing many more households to qualify for the payment.
For those aged 70 years and over, the means threshold is €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple. In addition, for people aged 70 or over, the amount of capital that is disregarded was increased from €20,000 to €50,000. Savings over €50,000 are assessed on a proportionate basis only.
For those aged under 70, the means threshold was increased by €80 to €200 above the appropriate rate of State Pension (Contributory). For a couple aged under 70, this equates to a maximum weekly means threshold of €725.90 and for a single person aged under 70 €477.30.
In January 2024, the allowable means for those aged over 70 was increased to €512 for a single person and €1,024 for a couple. This was to ensure that no one lost their entitlement to the Fuel Allowance payment due to the increase in weekly rates of Social Welfare payments.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
223. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to the Exchequer annually of introducing an occupational pension scheme for Tús, the rural social scheme and community employment scheme supervisors. [37189/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection delivers a range of employment and income support schemes including the Community Employment (CE), Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and Tús. While the Department provides funding for participant and supervisors' payroll, the Department is not the employer of any scheme participants or their supervisors. There are no current plans for the Department to provide an occupations pension scheme to work scheme supervisors.
It is important to note that the State is not responsible for funding pension arrangements for employees of private companies, even where the companies in question are reliant on State funding. Pension arrangements are a matter to be agreed between employees and their employers. All employers, including the IBs that deliver RSS are legally obliged to offer access to at least one Standard Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) under the Pension (Amendment) Act 2002.
The introduction of an automatic enrolment (AE) retirement savings system is a Programme for Government commitment and a key priority for me as the Minister for Social Protection. Implementation of the AE system is now well underway, with the recent enactment of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act 2024 and the announcement of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as the preferred bidder for the provision of a managed service for the provision and operation of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme. Work scheme supervisors will be included in the auto enrolment system and the Department will fund employer contributions as funder of the schemes when this is introduced in the coming year.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
224. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the annual cost to the Exchequer annually of reverting the rural social scheme to the pre-2012 rules in regard to the length of participation on the scheme and means testing. [37190/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support initiative which provides part-time employment opportunities in community and voluntary organisations for low-income farmers or fisherpersons. To participate a person must be aged 25 or over, and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payments. While partaking on RSS a participant must continue to maintain an underlying entitlement to farm/fish assist of which the conditions include the requirement to satisfy a means test. In general, when reviewing a RSS participant’s means, my Department applies the most favorable means assessment which is the farm assist means assessment.
All participants who have commenced on the scheme from17th September 2012 onwards are paid the equivalent of their existing rate of social welfare payment plus a top-up of €27.50, with a minimum payment of €259.50 since January 2024.
Due to the nature of the means assessment process, it is not possible to give the annual cost to the exchequer of reverting the RSS to the pre-2012 means testing rules. However, I would like to reiterate that there is no limitation applying to participation on the scheme as long as the participant continues to maintain an underlying entitlement to farm/fish assist, bearing in mind that RSS ceases to be paid at the age of 66 years of age.
I hope this clarifies the position for you.
225. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost to rollout disability awareness training to all Intreo staff. [37191/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has developed a “Be Disability Aware” eLearning unit that is provided to all staff, including staff in Intreo Centres.
This is an introduction to disability and aims to raise awareness of what disability is and how disability is defined by law. It also aims to increase the learner’s knowledge about different types of disability, how to talk about disability and how to work with staff and customers with a disability.
This eLearning unit was developed in house by our Disability Liaison Officer and eLearning team.
Disability awareness training is also contained within our Customer Services training module.
Both the ‘Be Disability Aware’ eLearning and ‘Customer Service’ course are part of the induction programme completed by all new staff to the Department.
The course was developed by staff of the Department and is delivered online; there are no costs in its delivery other than IT licence charges.
A number of staff have done additional disability awareness training with an external provider. 28 in 2022, 57 in 2023 and 36 so far this year. The cost of this training is €105 per staff member.
If this additional training was provided for all Intreo staff, including community welfare service and employment services staff, it would cost in the region of €0.37 million for 3,500 staff.
226. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a disability allowance appeal for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37200/24]
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 on the 9th August 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.
227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the procedure to be followed to change residency status from Stamp 1 to Stamp 4 in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37049/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person referred to by the Deputy has permission to reside in the State on a Stamp 1 basis until April 2025.
It is open to any person to apply for a change of immigration status if they meet the criteria for doing so. Detailed information on how to change immigration status is available at: www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/ .
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress in determination of an application for citizenship for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37085/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person cited by the Deputy applied for naturalisation in May.
Presently, the Citizenship Division of my Department are registering applications from March 2024. Once registered, a Personal ID and Citizenship application reference number will formally issue.
Applications are strictly being registered in chronological order.
Based on the current application levels, I expect going forward that most straightforward applications based on residency will receive a decision within one year.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie , which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37091/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Citizenship Division of my Department has requested further documentation from the person cited and once received, their application will resume processing.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department. The previous backlogs in application processing in Citizenship had arisen largely due to the legacy of restrictions imposed on staff attendance in the office during the pandemic.
Since then, Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are dramatically reducing processing times.
Based on the current application levels, I expect going forward that most straightforward applications based on residency will receive a decision within one year.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie , which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
230. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice if a preclearance, long stay application for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; the reason the date tracker has not moved in many months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37093/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the application referred to was created on the 11/03/2024. Supporting documentation was received in the Wellington office on the 14/03/2024. The application was received in the Dublin Visa Office on the 11 April 2024 where it awaits examination and processing.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for the Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) function of the Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following link which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
I can advise the Deputy, that the date published on the above page is the oldest date of application currently being processed under a given category. However, it should be noted that the Visa team continue to process and make decisions on applications received after the published processing date. If a particular application takes longer to consider this may prevent the published processing date from advancing.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and there can be a number of reasons as to why some take longer than others to process. It may be the case that the application is the subject of investigation or further checks. My Department may also be waiting for the applicant to respond to specific queries or submit additional documentation requested by the Visa Officer.
Therefore, I can assure the Deputy that if the published processing dates for De Facto Preclearance applications remains unchanged, this does not indicate the processing of these applications has halted overall.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application to join their Partner in Ireland, that my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible. These applications are now being processed through my Department’s online platform. This simplified application process will speed up our processing times and lead to better outcomes for applicants.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
231. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the procedures that are in place to ensure that a person who is blind or vision impaired can safely identify a member of An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37134/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the enforcement of uniform and dress codes, and the provision of equipment to Garda members. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
I am informed by Garda authorities that, as per the Uniform and Dress Code within An Garda Síochána Policy, Garda members on duty in plain clothes are required to disclose their identity and produce their identification card to any person directly affected by, or properly concerned with, the duty being undertaken. Furthermore, members on duty in uniform are required to produce their identity card when requested by any person directly affected by, or properly concerned with, the duty being undertaken.
I am further informed that An Garda Síochána is constantly seeking innovative methods to provide an inclusive approach to human rights-based policing.
As a result of An Garda Síochána’s commitment to inclusion, a braille adhesive strip for official Garda Warrant/ID Cards was introduced. The purpose of this is to allow Garda members to identify themselves in the course of their duties to braille readers, and is a clear plastic strip with braille impressed upon it reading "Garda/Police" and is or will be attached by each Garda member to the rear of their Garda warrant/ID cards. The adhesive strip has been developed with advice received from the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (Vision Ireland).
Distribution of the adhesive strip was trialled in the DMR North in 2023. Distribution to the rest of the DMR has commenced through designated Inspectors or HEOs. National roll-out commenced in May 2024 with an estimated 12,580 labels being distributed. Any Garda members who have received a new or updated official Garda Warrant/ID Cards in the last 18 months should find the adhesive strip already attached. I am informed that this practice will continue going forward.
232. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Justice if, in the absence of a person (details supplied) getting a visa renewal on time for their honeymoon, arrangements are possible for documents to be provided for entry to South Africa; if, in the absence of the renewal being issued, they can return to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37143/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that an application for renewal of residence permission from the person referred to by the Deputy has been approved. They can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the next 10 working days.
As the person concerned is not visa required to enter Ireland, they should carry their OREG confirmation email with them if they are travelling in the absence of their IRP card.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
233. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice when an application for work permission will issue (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37144/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, it is not my Department's practice to comment on whether an application for international protection has been made in the State. If a person is in the international protection process, there is a legal requirement under the International Protection Act 2015 to maintain full confidentiality at all times. Therefore the Department is unable to publish any information that would identify an international protection applicant.
If an application for international protection has been made in the State, the applicant or their designated legal advisor should contact the International Protection Office (IPO) or the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) directly, as appropriate. This will enable a full and comprehensive reply to be provided.
Both the International Protection Office (IPO) and the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT) are fully independent in deciding whether or not to grant international protection. Each application is examined individually on its own merits, in line with national and international asylum law.
In order to be helpful to the Deputy, I will outline information on labour market access permission that may be useful.
From February 2024 the process of applying for Labour Market Access for International Protection applicants has moved to the IPO with a new online application process. The new system has provided a more streamlined process and shorter processing times for all renewal and first time applications. The current processing time for these applications is 9 and 12 weeks respectively.
A significant increase in the number of applications was experienced during 2023, reflecting the increase of overall applications for international protection received since 2022. There has also been an increase in renewal applications.
The immigration services of the Department utilise the resources available in order to ensure that applications are processed in the shortest time frame possible. The Labour Market Access Unit is working to finalise applications as quickly as possible and appreciate customers’ patience as they deal with the very high levels of applications. The Department is also reviewing the processing arrangements generally to establish if they can be further streamlined.
Any queries in relation to a person's eligibility or otherwise for a labour market permission can be directed to: Lmauqueries@justice.ie or by post to the Labour Market Access Unit, PO Box 12931, Freepost FDN5264, Dublin 2
More information and further details on labour market access permission is available here: www.irishimmigration.ie/my-situation-has-changed-since-i-arrived-in-ireland/labour-market-access-permission/ .
