Tuesday, 24 Sep 2024

Social Welfare Payments

Ceisteanna (246)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when an interim payment might be made to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37265/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Disability allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least on year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.

A completed application form for DA must be submitted to the Department in order to have eligibility checked and a formal decision made on entitlement. To date no application for disability allowance has been received. An application form has been posted to the person concerned.

The person concerned has applied to the Community Welfare Officer (CWO) for the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA). The CWO is awaiting further information in support of their claim. Once this information has been received a decision can be made on their SWA application.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

School Meals Programme

Ceisteanna (247)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

247. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide details relating to the provision of the free school meals programme currently operating in DEIS secondary schools; the number of schools that are currently providing this; the number that have expressed an interest in being included; her plans to include these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37274/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The 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.

In recent years entry to the programme had been confined to DEIS schools in addition to schools identified by Department of Education as having levels of concentrated disadvantage that would benefit from access to the programme.

My main focus in recent years has been the expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme which is currently solely available to Primary Schools, has grown from a small pilot project to a nationwide programme is now approved in 2,200 schools nationwide.

In April 2024, my Department contacted the remaining 1,000 primary schools, 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 and the 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.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Code

Ceisteanna (248)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

248. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider amending the criteria for fuel allowance in order that those who are living with children of working age, who are earning a low income and not in receipt of one of the qualifying payments for fuel allowance would not be disqualified from the fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37283/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Heather Humphreys)

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 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. 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.

The Fuel Allowance guidelines allow a fuel applicant to live with a qualified spouse/civil partner/cohabitant or qualified child(ren). For the purposes of Fuel Allowance, a qualified child is one for whom an Increase for a Qualified Child is payable, or in the case of an applicant with no primary social welfare scheme, the child must be in full-time education if aged between 18 and 22.

An unqualified family member who is living with a fuel allowance applicant may result in a reduction of additional allowances, such as the Fuel Allowance payment, to the householder. A change in the qualifying criteria such as that proposed by the Deputy, would have to be considered in a wider budgetary context. However, disregarding a family member who is not reliant on long term social protection payments and who is in employment would change the targeted nature of the scheme. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (249)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

249. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to a carer’s allowance appeal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37303/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision in a letter issued 17th September 2024.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Benefits

Ceisteanna (250)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

250. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if illness benefit will be approved for a person (details supplied) as a matter of urgency; and if the application will be back dated to the commencement of their illness given their employer deducted the benefit amount from their salary. [37310/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The person concerned made a claim to Illness Benefit and this claim was registered in my Department on the 19th July 2024.

Their application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was refused as the application date had lapsed beyond six months. This decision was made in accordance with Section 241 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 6th September 2024 and was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

Following this, an appeal was lodged on the 9th September 2024. The Deciding Officer responsible for the appeal established an acceptable reason for the delay on the claim. I was advised the person was contacted, and further medical certificates were requested.

On the condition that the medical certificates being sought are sent into the Deciding Officer, the claim can be processed. It will be necessary to receive this additional information as evidence to substantiate the claim for back dating.

If the person concerned is experiencing difficulties in meeting her basic financial commitments it is also open to her to contact the Community Welfare Service at her local Intreo Centre to see if she might qualify for assistance under the terms of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

School Meals Programme

Ceisteanna (251)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

251. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the schools in County Cork that submitted an expression of interest to participate in the hot school meals programme; the schools that were selected; the schools that were not selected; the criteria for selection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37311/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Hot School Meals Programme has grown from a small pilot project to a nationwide programme now approved in 2,200 primary schools nationwide.

Currently there are 197 primary schools in Cork eligible for Hot School Meals. A list of the schools is contained in the attached Tabular Statement.

In April 2024, my Department contacted the remaining 1,000 primary schools, who have not yet joined the Hot School Meals programme, asking them if they wished to submit an expression of interest in commencing the provision of Hot School Meals. Out of these 1,000 schools, 103 schools in Cork submitted an expression of interest.

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.

No school has been refused access to the programme to date if they received and replied to an Expression of Interest request from my Department

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Tabular Statement - Cork Schools eligible for Hot School Meals in 2023-2024

Roll Number	School Name	County
00467B	Ballinspittle N S	Cork
00512D	Midleton Convent N S	Cork
01272O	S N Chuan Doir	Cork
01687U	Dromleigh N S	Cork
01692N	Firmount Mixed N S	Cork
01867W	Castlelyons B N S	Cork
02278I	Millstreet Convent N S	Cork
02452V	Cloyne National School	Cork
02803B	Banteer N S	Cork
03704E	S N Sean Baile Mor	Cork
04054T	Ballindangan Mixed N S	Cork
04118T	Leamlara Mixed N S	Cork
04186N	S N Bhiorainn	Cork
04953H	Ballyhass Mixed N S	Cork
05508O	St Columbas N.S	Cork
05940D	Scoil Ursula	Cork
06295F	Freemount Mixed N S	Cork
06342L	Vicarstown Mixed N S	Cork
07006A	Ballyclough Mixed N S	Cork
07651G	St Joseph'S Girls National School	Cork
08430S	Scoil Naomh Seosamh	Cork
09815U	Tullylease Mixed N S	Cork
10523O	Fermoy Adair N S	Cork
10548H	St Brendans National School	Cork
10724B	South Abbey Ns	Cork
10771K	Cobh N S	Cork
11236Q	Newmarket B N S	Cork
11262R	Druimne N S	Cork
11992I	Whitegate Mixed N S	Cork
12012W	St Lukes N S Douglas	Cork
12015F	Liscarrol N S	Cork
12041G	St John The Baptist N S	Cork
12263B	Gogginshill N S	Cork
12292I	Canovee Mixed N S	Cork
12395S	Rusheen Ns	Cork
12446J	Sn Gleann Na Huladh	Cork
12447L	Baltydaniel N S	Cork
12473M	Greenmount Monastery Ns	Cork
12598J	Ardagh Boys Senior National School	Cork
12676D	Clogheen Mxd N S	Cork
13031I	St Josephs Convent N S	Cork
13286S	Tirelton N S Mxd	Cork
13483U	Sn Ath Na Lionta	Cork
13543M	Derrinacahara N S	Cork
13647B	Castlemartyr N S	Cork
13661S	Dunmanway Convent Girls Senior National School	Cork
13662U	Dunmanway Convent Inf	Cork
13663W	Lower Glanmire N S	Cork
13696O	St Vincents Convent N S	Cork
13828F	Douglas B N S	Cork
13889C	Shanbally N S	Cork
13910N	S N Bun An Tsabhairne	Cork
13976U	St Matthias N S	Cork
13980L	S N B Togher Cork	Cork
14000C	Scoil Naomh Mhuire	Cork
14022M	Coachford N S	Cork
14116V	Kilbrittain Mixed N S	Cork
14225D	Scoil Bhride	Cork
14227H	Kilcoe Ns	Cork
14303U	S N Cleire	Cork
14784Q	Dunmanway Boys Senior National School	Cork
15165Q	Ballintotas N S	Cork
15410D	Kilcrohane N S	Cork
15550T	Ballyheeda N S	Cork
15597W	Macroom Boys Senior National School	Cork
15718I	S N Seosamh Cobh	Cork
15792U	Upper Glanmire N S	Cork
16087E	Kealkil N S	Cork
16109L	Scoil Realt Na Mara	Cork
16128P	Bunscoil Na Toirbhirte	Cork
16159D	Convent Girls Senior National School	Cork
16259H	Kilcolman N S	Cork
16339F	S N Iosef Naofa	Cork
16377N	St Marys National School	Cork
16396R	Boherbue N S	Cork
16680O	Scoil Colmcille	Cork
16681Q	Scoil Na Mbraithre Boys Snr Sch	Cork
16683U	Bishop Murphy Memorial Boys Senior National School	Cork
16684W	Midleton Cbs Primary School	Cork
16940O	Dundar Mhuighe N S	Cork
16945B	Lisgriffin N S	Cork
17011W	Mocomhog N S	Cork
17024I	Scoil Na Croise Naofa	Cork
17045Q	St Patricks B N S	Cork
17050J	S N Naomh Sheamuis	Cork
17079K	S N Carraig An Ime	Cork
17103E	Scoil Chlochair Mhuire National School	Cork
17105I	Muire Gan Smal C	Cork
17112F	Ballyhea N S	Cork
17156C	Scoil Naomh Aine Girls Senior School	Cork
17171V	S N Cuilinn Ui Caoimh	Cork
17281F	Togher N S	Cork
17300G	Lios Maighir	Cork
17505B	S N Cill Ruadhain	Cork
17515E	S N Achadh Bolg	Cork
17527L	Scoil Bhrugh Thuinne	Cork
17528N	S N Naomh Caitriona	Cork
17533G	S N Rathain	Cork
17602W	S N Naomh Lachtin	Cork
17639W	Scoil Na Mbraithre	Cork
17706L	S N An Mhaoilinn	Cork
17763A	Rockchapel N S	Cork
17765E	S N Re Na Scrine	Cork
17790D	Curraghagalla N S	Cork
17794L	S N An Phairc	Cork
17823P	St. Abbey'S National School	Cork
17829E	S N Ath An Mhuillinn	Cork
17921P	S N Moing Na Miol	Cork
17955J	Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, Clondulane	Cork
17972J	S N Cill Mhuire B	Cork
17993R	Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal B	Cork
18000W	Scoil Mhuire Naofa	Cork
18153B	S N Padraig Naofa C	Cork
18154D	S N Padraig Naofa	Cork
18208A	Our Lady Of Good Counsel Ns	Cork
18217B	Scoil Padre Pio N S	Cork
18246I	S N Baile Muine	Cork
18253F	Scoil Naomh Caitriona	Cork
18292P	Gaelscoil An Teaghlaigh Naofa	Cork
18301N	Sn Mhuire Bns	Cork
18356P	S N Barra Naofa	Cork
18377A	Iosef Naofa	Cork
18428O	S N Baile Nora	Cork
18431D	S N Droichead Na Bandan	Cork
18444M	S N Clogach	Cork
18458A	St Bernadettes Spec Sch	Cork
18483W	School Of The Divine Child (Scoil An Linbh Íosa)	Cork
18487H	S N Naomh Mhuire	Cork
18497K	Little Island Ns	Cork
18563U	Scoil Naomh Brid C	Cork
18566D	S N Athair Maitiu C	Cork
18567F	S N Inis	Cork
18586J	Scoil Eanna	Cork
18734V	Realt Na Maidine	Cork
18786R	Scoil Iosagain	Cork
18883P	S N Iosagain	Cork
19203S	St Paul'S School	Cork
19231A	S N Barra Naofa Bhuach	Cork
19232C	S N Barra Naofa Cailini	Cork
19256Q	Scoil Ghobnatan	Cork
19342J	Scoil Naomh Eoin Baiste	Cork
19351K	S N Cill Criodain	Cork
19404F	Sn Mhuire	Cork
19410A	St Killians Spec Sch	Cork
19426P	S N Mharcuis B	Cork
19427R	S N Bhreanndain C	Cork
19433M	Holy Family S S	Cork
19501D	Cahermore New Central School	Cork
19507P	Scoil Chaitigheirn	Cork
19525R	Mhichil Naofa	Cork
19526T	Sn Cill Dairbhre	Cork
19637F	Scoil Fionnbarra	Cork
19672H	Scoil Mhuire Na Ngrast	Cork
19714U	Scoil Mhuire Ar Chnoc Haoine	Cork
19730S	Scoil Oilibheir	Cork
19759T	St Marys Spec Sch	Cork
19760E	Scoil Triest	Cork
19761G	Dungourney Central N Sc	Cork
19801P	Drimoleague Junior Sch	Cork
19833F	Gaelscoil Chorain,	Cork
19839R	Gael Scoil Ui Riordain	Cork
19899M	Gaelscoile Cobh	Cork
19906G	Cork Educate Together National School	Cork
19908K	Gaelscoil Mhachan	Cork
19909M	Gaelscoil Peig Sayers	Cork
19989N	Scoil Mhuire Na Trocaire	Cork
19993E	Gaelscoil An Ghoirt Alainn	Cork
20004T	Scoil An Croi Ro Naofa	Cork
20009G	Gaelscoil Dr M Ui Shuilleabhain	Cork
20024C	Bun Scoil Muire	Cork
20025E	Gaelscoil Droichead Na Banndan	Cork
20036J	North Presentation Primary School	Cork
20038N	Scoil Aiseiri Chriost	Cork
20049S	Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour N S	Cork
20074R	St Gabriels Special School	Cork
20107G	Gaelscoil Mhainistir Na Corann	Cork
20140E	Scoil Mhuire Fatima Boys Senior	Cork
20162O	Sonas Special Primary Junior School	Cork
20239A	Gaelscoil Ui Drisceoil	Cork
20331L	Scoil Aisling	Cork
20336V	Midleton Educate Together School	Cork
20354A	Cara Junior School	Cork
20388R	Bunscoil Chriost Ri	Cork
20389T	Scoil Maria Assumpta	Cork
20440Q	Mallow Community National School	Cork
20442U	Carrigtwohill Community National School	Cork
20493O	Canon Sheehan Primary School	Cork
20497W	Scoil Mhuire Agus Eoin	Cork
20511N	Fermoy Educate Together Ns	Cork
20522S	South Lee Educate Together National School	Cork
20534C	Owenabue Etns	Cork
20550A	Holy Well National School (Scoil Tobair Naofa)	Cork
20553G	Strawberry Hill National School	Cork
20557O	Carrigaline Community Special School	Cork
20559S	Scoil Naomh Pádraig	Cork
20565N	Rochestown Community Special School	Cork
20586V	Bandon Primary School	Cork

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (252)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

252. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants for invalidity pension that were lodged in Galway (city and county separately), the number approved, the number initially refused, the number refused on review, the number then appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the number of those appeals that were upheld or rejected, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37341/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table(s) below. Claim processing statistics are not collected on a county basis, and thus it is not possible to provide data for Galway city and county. National totals are provided.

Table below contains national data relating to Invalidity Pension claims and appeals processing:

Year	IP Claims received	*IP Claims Awarded by Deciding Officer	IP claims Disallowed by Deciding Officer	IP Appeals received by Appeals Office	IP Appeals allowed by Appeals office	IP appeals disallowed by Appeals office
2022	8932	5918	4142	1633	577	590
2023	11498	7651	5188	1822	847	623
2024 - To end August 2024	6525	4960	3804	1616	574	390

* IP Claims awarded by Deciding Officer include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (253)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

253. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for carer’s allowance that were lodged in Galway (city and county separately), the number approved, the number initially refused, the number refused on review, the number then appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, and the number of those appeals that were upheld or rejected, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37342/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

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.

The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table(s) below. Claim processing statistics are not collected on a county basis, and thus it is not possible to provide data for Galway city and county. National totals are provided.

Year	CA Claims received	*CA Claims Awarded by Deciding Officer	CA claims Disallowed by Deciding Officer	CA Appeals received by Appeals Office	CA Appeals allowed by Appeals office	CA appeals disallowed by Appeals office
2022	22781	14921	10115	3521	804	1953
2023	22633	17333	10875	3048	680	1506
2024 - To end August 2024	15346	11047	6776	2434	399	1237

*CA Claims awarded by Deciding Officer include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.

Appeals data has been collected by the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) and is provided below. The SWAO has provided Appeals statistics for Galway, but it is not possible to break this down further into city and county.

Year	Received	Allowed	Disallowed	Partially Allowed
2022	149	40	83	3
2023	157	26	65	2
2024 (to 31/08/2024)	155	26	58	0

I hope this information is of assistance to the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (254)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

254. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the average processing time for social welfare appeals in relation to disability allowance, invalidity pension applications and carer’s allowance in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37343/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the average processing times for social welfare appeals in relation to Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension and Carer's Allowance applications in 2022, 2023 and up to 31st August in 2024 are as follows:

Year	2022	2023	2024 (up to 31/8/24)
Invalidity Pension	18.6 weeks	14.4 weeks	16.9 weeks
Carer’s Allowance	12.7 weeks	16.6 weeks	22.6 weeks
Disability Allowance	13.7 weeks	16.1 weeks	19.2 weeks

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (255)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

255. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the average processing time for social welfare appeals in Galway (city and county separately), in relation to disability allowance, invalidity pension applications and carer’s allowance in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37344/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the average processing times for social welfare appeals in relation to Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension and Carer's Allowance applications in Galway (County) in 2022, 2023 and up to 31st August in 2024 are as follows:

Year	2022	2023	2024 (up to 31/8/24)
Invalidity Pension	17.5 weeks	17.8 weeks	7.7 weeks
Carer’s Allowance	13.4 weeks	17.0 weeks	21.0 weeks
Disability Allowance	13.4 weeks	15.9 weeks	18.0 weeks

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the statistics regarding the average processing time of appeals cannot be broken down more specifically than county wide and this has been clarified with the Deputy's office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (256, 259)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

256. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for disability allowance that were lodged, the number approved, the number initially refused, the number refused on review, the number then appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, and the number of those appeals that were upheld or rejected, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37346/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

259. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for disability allowance that were lodged in Galway (city and county separately), the number approved, the number initially refused, the number refused on review, the number then appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, and the number of those appeals that were upheld or rejected, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37349/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 259 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table(s) below. Claim processing statistics are not collected on a county basis, and thus it is not possible to provide data for Galway city and county; national totals are provided.

Appeals data has been collected by the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO), and is provided below. The SWAO has provided Appeals statistics for Galway, but it is not possible to break this down further into city and county.

Disability Allowance Claims (National Totals) Table:

Year	Registered	Approved	Rejected
2022	26,021	13,817	14.593
2023	28,704	16,418	16,653
2024 (Jan-Aug)	19,448	12,925	14

Disability Allowance Appeals (National Totals) Table:

Year	Received	Finalised	Allowed	Partially Allowed	Revised (DO)	Disallowed
2022	5,637	5,435	2,348	74	722	2,222
2023	5,567	5,559	2,587	43	591	2,280
2024 (Jan-Aug)	5,948	3,598	1,148	29	881	1,461

Disability Allowance Appeals (Galway) Table:

Year	Received	Allowed	Disallowed	Partially Allowed
2022	269	104	103	8
2023	274	111	96	1
2024 (Jan-Aug)	271	50	89	1

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (257)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

257. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for invalidity pension that were lodged, the number approved, the number initially refused, the number refused on review, the number then appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, and the number of those appeals that were upheld or rejected, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37347/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

Where an applicant's IP claim is initially disallowed based on medical suitability, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This process allows the applicant to present additional medical evidence that may substantiate their claim by demonstrating the extent of their disability or illness and its impact on their ability to work. When considering the new evidence a deciding officer may overturn the initial decision on review. If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The table below details the number of IP claims received, awarded and refused during the periods requested. It also details the number of IP appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the number of IP appeals allowed and disallowed following appeal. Data in relation to review outcomes is included in the overall allowed or disallowed.

Year	IP Claims received	*IP Claims Awarded by Deciding Officer	IP claims Disallowed by Deciding Officer	IP Appeals received by Appeals Office	IP Appeals allowed by Appeals office	IP appeals disallowed by Appeals office
2022	8932	5918	4142	1633	577	590
2023	11498	7651	5188	1822	847	623
2024 - To end August 2024	6525	4960	3804	1616	574	390

* IP Claims awarded by Deciding Officer include cases that may have been previously disallowed and which were subsequently awarded following a review or a successful appeal.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (258)

Noel Grealish

Ceist:

258. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for carer’s allowance that were lodged, the number approved, the number initially refused, the number refused on review, the number then appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, and the number of those appeals that were upheld or rejected, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37348/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

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.

The tables below show the number of CA applications received, awarded, and disallowed for 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024:

	Number of applications received	Number of applications awarded	Number initially disallowed	Number disallowed following review
2022	22,781	14,921	8,874	1,241
2023	22,633	17,333	9,191	1,684
2024 (to 31/08/2024)	15,346	11,047	5,786	990

Please note that the statistics in relation to awarded and disallowed cases include cases that may have been received in a preceding year.

Where an applicant's CA claim is initially disallowed, they have the option to request a review of this decision. This allows the applicant to present additional documentation / evidence where this is available. Considering the new evidence, it is possible that the initial decision could be overturned by a Deciding Officer (DO). This review process ensures that every applicant receives a fair evaluation of their circumstances, acknowledging that their circumstances or the circumstance of the care recipient may not have been fully captured at the initial application stage.

If an applicant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their review, they have the option to refer the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

The table below shows the number of CA appeals received, allowed, partially allowed or disallowed by the SWAO for 2022, 2023 & to date in 2024:

Year	Appeals Received	Appeals Allowed	Appeals Partly Allowed	Appeals Disallowed
2022	3,521	804	67	1,953
2023	3,048	680	52	1,506
2024 (to 31/08/2024)	2,434	399	47	1,237

Appeals that had a favourable outcome for the appellant consist of appeals that were either allowed in full or in part by an Appeals Officer, or that were resolved by way of a revised decision in favour of the appellant by a DO.

There are a number of reasons why a decision that was refused at first instance might be successful on appeal and it is not necessarily the case that the first decision was incorrect. It is often the case that new evidence is provided with an appeal and that, as a result, the original decision may be revised by the DO.

Where the decision was not revised by the Department in light of the appeal contentions, further evidence is often provided by the appellant as the appeal process proceeds.

I hope this information is of assistance to the Deputy.

Question No. 259 answered with Question No. 256.

School Meals Programme

Ceisteanna (260)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

260. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review and outline the reason a school (details supplied) is not included in the hot meals programme; when it will be included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37351/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Hot School Meals Programme has grown 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 that 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.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Payments

Ceisteanna (261)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

261. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of a partial payment of the carer's allowance at a rate that is less than €100 per week, and the average rate of payment received. [37384/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

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.

The two principal conditions for receipt of CA are that full time care and attention is required and being provided, and that the means test which applies is satisfied.

The means test for CA has been significantly eased over the years. The current income disregard is €450 per week for a single person and €900 per week for a couple. The capital disregard is €50,000 for a single person and €100,000 for a couple.

There are currently 97,407 people in receipt of CA. Of these, 444 customers are currently in receipt of a rate of payment below €100.00 per week. The average weekly rate of payment to these customers is €66.68. These customers are in receipt of a partial payment owing to their means.

I hope this clarifies the position for the deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (262)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

262. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will introduce measures to reduce the current wait time of 17.6 weeks for an appeal to be dealt with by way of a summary decision and the average wait time of 29.2 weeks to deal with an oral hearing in the Social Welfare Appeals Office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37405/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions. and management of the Appeals Office is the responsibility of the Chief Appeals Officer.

In 2023 approximately 1% of the decisions made by the Department of Social Protection were appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. In 2023, the Office received 24,100 appeals. In 2024 up until 31/08/2024 the Office received 29,115 appeals, of which 25,367 were valid appeals which were registered. By comparison, over the same period in 2023 up until 31/08/2023, 16,323 appeals were registered. This is a substantial increase year on year.

An Appeals Modernisation Project is currently underway. The key features of the project are:

(1) Introduction of a new IT system for more efficient end to end processing of appeals. The first release of this system went live in November 2023 and work on adding functionality to the system is continuing.

(2) Provision of an online service for appellants to make their appeals on the MyWelfare platform. This service was implemented in July 2024 and work on enhancing online appeals functionality is continuing.

(3) Business process improvements have been introduced within the Office to improve customer service and processing times in tandem with the implementation of new systems. Several initiatives to streamline decision processes are also being undertaken.

The modernisation project has contributed to a reduction in the time taken to register and acknowledge appeals lodged with the Appeals Office and this is assisting with the management of processing times.

The new system has streamline the engagement between the Appeals Office and my Department to ensure that the appeals process operates as efficiently as possible. Where the Deciding Officer's decision is not revised in favour of the appellant, the appeal file papers are provided as quickly as possible to the Appeals Office for consideration by an Appeals Officer.

In 2023 the average time taken to process an appeal was 16.0 weeks. The average processing time for an appeal dealt with summarily was 17.6 weeks. The average processing time for an appeal that included an oral hearing was 29.2 weeks.

The average time it has taken to complete appeals submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals office for the past five years are set out below:

	SWAO Average Processing Times (in weeks) 2019-2023
2019	24.7
2020	16.5
2021	12.9
2022	14.9
2023	16.0

The desire to process appeals quickly must be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent, well reasoned and of high quality and made in accordance with the legislative provisions and the general principles of fair procedures and natural justice that underpin a quasi-judicial process.

The Chief Appeals Officer closely monitors the range and extent of appeal processing times on an ongoing basis, within the resources allocated to that Office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (263)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

263. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps her Department can take to ensure that appeals can progress without delay; if requests by the Social Welfare Appeals Office for submissions and case files from the area that issued the initial decision can be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37406/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions. and management of the Appeals Office is the responsibility of the Chief Appeals Officer.

In 2023 approximately 1% of the decisions made by the Department of Social Protection were appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. In 2023, the Office received 24,100 appeals. In 2024 up until 31/08/2024 the Office received 29,115 appeals, of which 25,367 were valid appeals which were registered. By comparison, over the same period in 2023 up until 31/08/2023, 16,323 appeals were registered. This is a substantial increase year on year.

An Appeals Modernisation Project is currently in progress. The key features of the project are:

(1) The introduction of a new IT system for more efficient end to end processing of appeals. The first release of this system went live in November 2023 and work on adding functionality to the system is continuing.

(2) Provision of an online service for appellants to make their appeals on the MyWelfare platform. This service was successfully implemented in July 2024 and work on enhancing online appeals functionality is continuing.

(3) Business process improvements have been introduced within the Office to improve customer service and processing times in tandem with the implementation of new systems. Several initiatives to streamline decision processes are also being undertaken.

The new IT system has contributed to a reduction in the time taken to register and acknowledge appeals lodged with the Appeals Office and this is assisting with the management of processing times. It has also streamlined the engagement between the Appeals Office and my Department to ensure that the appeals process operates as efficiently as possible. Papers are now requested and provided electronically between the Appeals Office and the Department and this change has increased efficiency and reduced the time and resources involved in requesting and receiving documents. Where the Deciding Officer's decision is not revised in favour of the appellant, the appeal file papers are provided as quickly as possible to the Appeals Office for consideration by an Appeals Officer.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Schemes

Ceisteanna (264, 265, 266)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

264. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer to increase the number of places on the rural social scheme by 25% or 838 places, 50% or 1,675 places and 75% or 2,513 places; and the associated costs of increasing the number of supervisor places by 25% or 35 places, 50% or 70 places or 75% or 104 places. [37413/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

265. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of increasing the time limit to participate in the rural social scheme from six to ten years. [37414/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

266. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of extending participation in the rural social scheme to both spouses in a couple based on the current numbers availing of the scheme; and the projected costs for the future. [37415/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264, 265 and 266 together.

The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides opportunities for low-income farmers and fishermen/women who are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments to work to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. Communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen and participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing this valuable work in their local communities.

The RSS budget for 2024 is €52.2 million. Based on the current RSS payment rate the estimated full year annual cost to the Exchequer of a 25% increase in the number of places on RSS would be €67.1 million: 50% increase would be €82.0m and 75% increase would be €96.9m.

Again, assuming that the increased number of supervisors supported by RSS remain at the current point of their pay-scale, the estimated cost of increasing the number of supervisors by 25% would be in the region of €6.6 million: 50% increase would be €7.9 m or 75% would be €9.3 million

The Rural Social Scheme is a demand led income support scheme, where participants refer themselves directly to the Implementing Body (IB) that delivers the scheme in the area in which they live. Due to a number of factors, it is not possible at this time to estimate the cost of extending RSS participation to both spouses in a couple, based on information currently available.

A review of the Rural Social scheme was completed and published in July 2024. The report includes a number of recommendations to address the sustainability of the RSS to continue to provide income support, social inclusion, and service delivery in rural communities. My Department is currently examining and exploring the implementation of the report recommendations and this work is currently underway, one of which is the recommendation to extend the scheme to couples engaged in farming/fishing.

Please note the six-year rule, which applied to participants who joined the RSS scheme since February 2017, was removed at the end of June 2022. This change was made in recognition of the impact the rule would have on participants due to leave the scheme since February 2023. This change meant that participants who would have been impacted by the rule, can remain on the scheme until they reach state pension age, as long as they continue to satisfy the eligibility requirements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Question No. 265 answered with Question No. 264.

Question No. 266 answered with Question No. 264.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (267)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

267. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when the submission and case file on a claim for invalidity pension (details supplied) will be supplied to the social welfare appeals office in order to progress an appeal submitted in early June; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37435/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Invalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

My Department received an application for IP from the person concerned on 04 December 2023. Based on the information supplied, it was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. Notification of the decision issued to the person in question on 13 December 2023 informing him of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.

The IP claim for the person concerned has been reviewed twice to take account of additional medical submitted by him for his claim. However, a Deciding Officer (DO) decided on 22 April 2024 and again on 06 June 2024 that the original decision stands following both reviews.

The person referred to has appealed the decision to refuse his application to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and his file along with a submission on behalf of the DO was sent to that office on 19 June 2024.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (268)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

268. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the implementation of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37516/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

The Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 is a whole of Government strategy with the ambitious aim to reduce consistent poverty to 2 per cent or less and to make Ireland one of the most socially inclusive member states in the EU. The latest available data shows that significant progress has been made in this regard during the lifetime of the Roadmap, data from the 2023 Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC), which was published in March of this year, shows that the consistent poverty rate fell from 4.9% in 2022 to 3.6% in 2023, this represents the lowest rate of consistent poverty on record.

The Roadmap was published in January 2020 and contains seven high level goals, delivered by 81 unique commitments (revised from 69 commitments after a mid-term review). Implementation of Roadmap commitments is well underway with many either fully achieved or close to completion and work ongoing in relation to the remainder. At the end of June 2024, 54 Roadmap commitments were either fully achieved or achieved with ongoing delivery, with delivery on the remaining 27 commitments in progress.

The first three Progress Reports on the implementation of Roadmap commitments are available on gov.ie, covering the progress made over the period January 2020 to June 2023. These are accompanied by Report Cards detailing progress on each Roadmap commitment. The fourth Progress Report and Report Card, covering the period of July 2023 to June 2024, is currently being prepared.

The Social Inclusion Roadmap Steering Group, which I chair, oversees progress on implementation of Roadmap commitments. It comprises senior representatives of responsible Departments and three external members from the Community and Voluntary Sector. The Government is fully committed to the implementation of the Roadmap. I will continue to drive delivery of the remaining commitments to ensure that no-one is left behind in the ongoing implementation of this vital national strategy.

Social Welfare Payments

Ceisteanna (269)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

269. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for disability allowance will be approved for a person (details supplied); and if their request to keep their claim open while they attend their consultant for a further medical report will be agreed to. [37542/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

Disability 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.

I can confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 21 June 2024. As their initial application did not contain all the information required to make a decision on entitlement, an information request letter was sent to the person concerned on 25 June 2024 to supply this supporting documentation within 21 days.

I can confirm documentation was received by my Department on 11 July 2024. However, the person concerned did not supply all the required information that was requested on 25 June 2024. Therefore, based on the evidence supplied in support of their application, the application for DA was disallowed on failing to supply sufficient information to determine means. The application was also refused on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition for DA was not satisfied. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 01 August 2024, and they were given the right to a review or an appeal.

I can confirm the person concerned has submitted further information and a review of this decision was carried out. Following the review, the person concerned has been awarded DA with effect from 26 June 2024. The first payment will be made by their chosen payment method on 09 October 2024. Arrears of payment due from 26 June 2024 to 08 October 2024 will issue as soon as possible, once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments, if applicable.

The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 20 September 2024.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Application Forms

Ceisteanna (270)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to review a refusal on an application for carer's allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37543/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

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.

An application for CA was received from the person concerned 31 October 2023.

As part of the decision process, the application was referred for the professional opinion of a Department Medical Assessor. The claim was disallowed as the Deciding Officer, 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 29 November 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).

A review was initiated on foot of correspondence received from the person concerned on

11 December 2023. Following this review, the decision remained unchanged. The person was notified of this decision in writing on 27 January 2024. They were also notified of their right to have the decision reviewed (where further information is available) or to appeal the decision to the SWAO.

To date no further correspondence has been received from the person concerned.

It is open to the person to re-apply for Carer's Allowance by completing a CR1 application form.

The person will need to complete all the relevant sections and return the completed form to the following address at their earliest convenience:

Carer's Allowance Section, Ballinalee Road, Longford, Co Longford, N39 E4E0.

I hope this clarifies the position for the deputy.

Freedom of Information

Ceisteanna (271)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

271. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection the total number of freedom of information requests submitted to her Department in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37603/24]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The total number of requests under the Freedom of Information Acts received in the Department of Social Protection in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 is 6,106. Of those, 348 'were refused' within the statutory meaning of the phrase in the Act. In other words they were not answered because the information was already in the public domain, the record does not exist, the request was frivolous or vexatious or the requester did not pay a fee in the case of a voluminous request. A full breakdown is given in the table below.

Freedom of Information Requests 2022 – 2024*

	2022	2023	2024*
Total FOI requests	2,085	2,468	1,890
FOI requests refused	110	140	98

* Statistics are validated at year end and then published in the first quarter of the following year. The figures for 2024 are preliminary and are up to and including 18th September 2024.