Written Answers Nos. 32-53
32. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of family carers that have applied for, and been approved for, the new State pension for carers via the long-term carers contribution; if the Minister would consider using this method for foster carers in accessing a State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37481/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Pension (Contributory) is funded from the Social Insurance Fund through the contributions paid by workers. The rate of payment reflects the number of social insurance contributions paid over a working life. However, it is recognised that people may have periods out of the workforce for reasons such as caring responsibilities, including foster caring.Accordingly, once a person has met the minimum requirement of 520 paid contributions, the State Pension (Contributory) provides measures including PRSI credits, Homemaking Disregards and Homecaring periods to recognise these periods of care outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate. Foster carers are entitled to the benefits of PRSI credits and Homemaking Disregards and Homecaring periods where they meet the criteria, in the same way as biological or adoptive parents. There is no difference in treatment. Last year I enacted legislation to implement an enhancement to State Pension provisions for individuals who have been providing care for a cumulative period of over 20 years. Long-term carer's contributions can be awarded to a person who has cared for an incapacitated person for a period of 20 years or more. 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 for state pension (contributory) purposes.These contributions are treated the same as paid contributions for state pension (contributory) entitlement only and can be used to satisfy the minimum 520 contributions condition.It is open to foster carers who have cared for an incapacitated person or persons for a cumulative period of over 20 years to apply for long term carers contributions. At end August 2024, 1,848 customers have been awarded over 20 years of Long-Term Carers Contributions, 1,230 of whom are aged over 66. 532 of these customers have been awarded State Pension while a further 148 received an increase in the rate paid. Officials in my Department continue to review state pension (contributory) applications where a reduced rate is in payment, or the person was refused a pension prior to January 2024.Matters related to foster caring, including any criteria relating to work, are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and for Tusla.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
33. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to increase the income disregards and earnings thresholds for disability allowance and carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37671/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance and Carers' Allowance payments are part of the system of social assistance supports that provide payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as unemployment, disability or caring. This ensures that resources are targeted to those who need them most.Since my appointment as Minister for Social Protection, supporting people with disabilities and carers has been a key priority for me. In this context I have already made improvements to the income disregards in relation to both schemes.With regard to Disability Allowance, Budget 2023 was the third successive budget that the Government progressively increased earnings disregards, which will see people with disabilities retaining more of their payments while in employment. The earnings disregard for recipients of Disability Allowance has increased by almost 38% over these budgets from €120 to €140 to €165 currently.This means that a person in employment can earn up to €165 per week and retain all of their Disability Allowance payment. Fifty per cent of earnings between €165 and €375 is also disregarded for the purpose of the means test and a person can now earn a maximum of €505.10 per week and still keep a portion of their Disability Allowance payment.Budget 2022 saw the first changes to the means test for Carers’ Allowance in 14 years when the income disregards were increased from €332.50 to €350 for a single person, and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse/partner. The capital and savings disregard for the Carers' Allowance means assessment was also increased from €20,000 to €50,000. It is important to note that this equates to €100,000 in the case of a couple. As part of Budget 2024, and with effect from June this year, the weekly income disregards were further increased from €350 to €450 for a single person, and from €750 to €900 for carers with a spouse/partner. Since June 2022, this amounts to cumulative increases to the income disregards of €117.50 for a single carer and €235.00 for a carer who is part of couple. These are the highest disregards in the Social Welfare system.These recent changes to the means test have enabled more carers on a reduced rate to move to a higher payment. Additionally, many carers who previously did not qualify for a payment due to their means have been brought into the Carer's Allowance system for the first time.I will continue to keep the range of supports available to people with disabilities and carers under review. However, any changes or improvements to these supports can only be considered in an overall budgetary context.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
34. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of additional needs payments made, by reason, in Cork, in the first six months of 2022 and the first six months of 2024 respectively, in tabular form. [37632/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.The schemes are demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.Table 1 shows the number of Additional Needs Payments issued in County Cork for Jan-Jun 2022 and for Jan-Jun 2024 by category.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 Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1 - The number of Additional Needs Payments paid in County Cork for Jan-Jun 2022 and for Jan-Jun 2024, by category.
|
Category |
2022 Jan - Jun |
2024 Jan - Jun |
|
Bills |
59 |
113 |
|
Child Related |
51 |
56 |
|
Clothing |
1,562 |
768 |
|
Funeral |
103 |
129 |
|
General |
665 |
752 |
|
Housing |
659 |
1,030 |
|
Illness |
7 |
8 |
|
Other (Supplements) |
11 |
16 |
|
Urgent Needs Payment |
7 |
27 |
|
Grand Total |
3,124 |
2,899 |
35. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection regarding the use of the supplementary welfare allowance for transport to necessary hospital appointments by constituents, to examine a case for a person (details supplied); if she is aware of the discretion given to members of her Department in deciding if this allowance is awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37684/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a range of supports provided by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme. These supports can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs).My Department may make an ANP to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. Supports from my Department are not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has the primary responsibility. Departmental records show that the person concerned applied for an ANP for assistance towards the cost of travel to and from medical appointments on 18/10/2023, 17/01/2024, 01/05/2024, 18/06/2024. The person concerned was awarded a payment towards the cost of travel on each application for the estimated cost of fuel required, for return travel to and from the person’s residence to the hospital attended. It should be noted that an ANP is a once off payment that is assessed on an individual case-by-case basis.Departmental records show that the person concerned has not made any recent application for assistance under the SWA scheme. If the person is experiencing financial difficulties, they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form and providing all relevant documents in support of their application. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the person's claim will be assessed on its individual merits based on the circumstances at that time, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing. Alternatively, if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account he can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
36. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider the opportunity for more flexible financial supports for family carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37635/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government acknowledges the valuable role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting carers in that role. This commitment is recognised in both the Programme for Government and the National Carers’ Strategy.The key role of my department is to provide income supports where an income need may arise due to unemployment, illness/disability and caring responsibilities. The payments provided are an income support to people who cannot earn, or can only earn a limited income, and who have no other means or resources to rely upon.The main income supports to carers provided by my department include Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and the Carer's Support Grant. Spending on these payments in 2024 is expected to exceed €1.7 billion. The Carer’s Allowance scheme is the main scheme by which the Department provides income support to carers in the community. Carer’s Allowance is a financial support to people who cannot earn, or can only earn a limited income, due to their caring responsibilities. In 2024 the expenditure on the Carer’s Allowance scheme is estimated to be over €1.1 billion and there are currently 97,407 people receiving this payment.Since my appointment as Minister for Social Protection, I have made a number of changes to the Carer's Allowance payment, in particular the means test.
• In June 2022, the income disregards were increased from €332.50 to €350 for a single person, and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse/partner. The capital and savings disregard for the Carer’s Allowance means assessment was also increased from €20,000 to €50,000.
• In June 2024, the weekly income disregard was further increased from €350 to €450 for a single person, and from €750 to €900 for carers with a spouse/partner.
Since 2022, this amounts to cumulative increases to the income disregards of €117.50 for a single carer and €235.00 for a carer who is part of couple. These are the highest disregards in the Social Welfare system.Carer's Benefit is a non-means tested payment made to insured people who may be required to leave the workforce, or reduce their working hours, to care for someone in need of full-time care and attention. A person may be eligible for Carer's Benefit if they have sufficient PRSI contributions. Projected expenditure on Carer’s Benefit in 2024 is estimated at €57.9 million.While the family carer support payments provided are premised on the provision of full-time care and attention by the carer, they do provide flexibility in terms of allowing carers to engage in training, education or work up to 18.5 hours per week. This was increased from 15 hours as part of Budget 2020 in response to requests from carer's organisations and carers themselves who found the 15 hours too restrictive. In effect, a Carer can engage in these activities for half of a full-time working week. During this time, adequate provision must be made for the care of the relevant person. Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly allowance payable to a parent or guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability that requires continual or continuous care and attention substantially over and above the level of care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of that disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for a least 12 consecutive months. This level of care and attention must be required to allow the child deal with the activities of daily living.Eligibility for Domiciliary Care Allowance is not based entirely on the child's disability or diagnosis but primarily on the impact of the disability in terms of the associated level of care and attention required by the relevant child compared to a child of the same age without their disability.At the end of August, some 55,995 customers were in receipt of Domiciliary Care Allowance in respect of 63,042 children. Expenditure in 2024 is estimated at over €290 million.In order to acknowledge and address the financial burden families of sick children face, the Government has made significant changes to the Domiciliary Care Allowance payment in recent years.The period during which Domiciliary Care Allowance can be paid for children in hospital was extended from 3 months to 6 months.
• Domiciliary Care Allowance has also been made available for babies who remain in an acute hospital after birth for a period of 6 months.
During both of these extended periods of eligibility and where other conditions are met, a carer may also receive Carer's Allowance or Carer's Benefit and the Carer's Support Grant.In 2021, I increased the annual Carer’s Support Grant to €1,850, the highest rate since its introduction. The Carer's Support Grant is automatically paid to people in receipt of Carer's Allowance, Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care allowance. Other carers who are not in receipt of a carer’s payment may also be eligible for the Grant. On 6 June, 132,523 carers received the grant in respect of 149,361 care recipients, at an estimated cost of €275 million.In addition, I have taken a range of actions to improve supports for carers over recent years through increasing payment rates and income disregards and providing once-off and extra double payments. I have also delivered on the Programme for Government commitment to provide a pension solution for carers. In January 2024, a new Long-Term Carers Contribution scheme was introduced. Under the scheme, a person who has been a full-time carer for an incapacitated dependent for at least 20 years (1,040 weeks), can get Long-Term Carers Contributions to cover gaps in their contribution record which can help them qualify for the State Pension (Contributory). We know this reform is a great comfort and relief to the many carers across the country who have spent their lives caring for loved ones. At the end of August, over 5,381 people had been awarded long-term carers contributions since the scheme was opened. 532 of these customers have been awarded State Pension (Contributory) while a further 148 received an increase in the rate paid. Officials in my Department continue to review state pension (contributory) applications where a reduced rate is in payment, or the person was refused a pension prior to January 2024.I am satisfied that there are already a range of flexible financial supports in place for family carers and that I have made some significant improvements across these payments which have served not only to benefit existing recipients but have also increased access to these payments.I will continue to keep the range of income supports provided to family carers by my department under review. However, any further changes, or the provision of additional supports, would have to be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
37. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection the current stage of legislation that will allow for the enactment of the recent Supreme Court decision to allow a cohabitant to claim a widow’s pension in certain circumstances; when she expects it to be in operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37673/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the law as currently enacted, entitlement to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension is only available to a surviving partner who was party to a marriage or civil partnership. On 22nd January, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment on the entitlement of an unmarried cohabitant to a Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partner’s Contributory pension. The Supreme Court judgment overruled a previous High Court decision and found in favour of the claimant and his children. In simple terms, the Court found that section 124 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) is inconsistent with the Constitution insofar as it excluded the claimant from the category of persons entitled to benefit from it. The Court reached that conclusion on the basis of the equality guarantee contained in Article 40.1 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court judgment notes that in order to resolve the issue raised by the judgment, a legislative amendment is required. My officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, have been considering the measures necessary to respond to the Supreme Court judgment as it raised a number of complex issues. As the Deputy is aware, I obtained Government approval for the priority drafting of the legislative changes required to respond to the Supreme Court decision in June. The General Scheme of a Bill was referred to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for priority drafting, and to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny. The Committee issued its report on the 26th July.My officials are continuing to work closely with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to develop and finalise this legislation and I intend to introduce it to the Oireachtas as soon as possible once that is done. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
38. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection to list the number of recipients of jobseeker's allowance, or jobseeker's benefit, who had their payment withdrawn in each respective year from 2021 to 2023, and to date in 2024, as a result of the fact that they were not able to show that they are actively seeking work, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37686/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to be eligible for a Jobseekers's payment a person must satisfy all conditions including the requirement to genuinely seek employment. To satisfy this condition, it is necessary for the person to demonstrate that they have taken some positive action and are making genuine efforts to secure employment. All schemes operated by my Department are subject to ongoing control reviews and continuing eligibility checks. The total number of Jobseekers control reviews carried out over the years requested are approximately: 2021 (63,000), 2022 (70,000), 2023 (94,500), to end of July 2024 (76,500).While in receipt of a Jobseeker’s payment, engagement with Intreo Employment Service is mandatory. Intreo Employment Service provide streamlined, practical, and tailored supports for all jobseekers. A person must work with an Employment Personal Advisor to agree a Personal Progression Plan suitable to their circumstances. This Plan will detail actions the jobseeker should take to become job ready, it may also specify training, work experience or employment schemes that are considered appropriate for their development. Payment reductions can be applied if a jobseeker, without good cause, fails to engage with Employment Services or refuses an offer of employment, training or specified employment programme which is considered appropriate to their circumstances. The jobseeker can ultimately be disqualified from their Jobseeker’s payment for up to 9 weeks and their ongoing eligibility to the payment will be reviewed.The table below outlines the number of reduced rates applied to jobseekers in the relevant years. Please note that the 2021 figures are not available due to the impact of the pandemic on the activation programme.
|
Year |
Penalty Rates |
|
2022 |
1,136 |
|
2023 |
5,235 |
|
2024 to August |
7,294 |
My Department also engages with employers to advise them of the various supports and services provided to employ jobseekers. This can include providing employers with a bespoke recruitment service to fill job vacancies, where priority is given to jobseekers on the live register. JobsIreland.ie, the Department’s recruitment website, is available to both employers and Jobseekers and allows employers to post and promote job vacancies. The Department’s officers actively engage with employers who are facing difficulties filling vacancies at present and match employer vacancies to Jobseekers. The Department proactively engages with Jobseekers when employers advise that they have refused an offer of employment. Employers who wish to advise that a jobseeker has refused an offer of employment can contact their local Intreo Centre where an Employer Relations Officer will follow up with them.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
39. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider increasing the rural social scheme/Tús top-up to at least €12, to keep pace with other social welfare payments. [36468/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year, I secured a package of almost €2.3 billion for Social Protection measures as part of Budget 2024. This represented the largest Budget package for the Department of Social Protection in the history of the State. This package provided vital and much needed support our pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and families.As part of this package, I announced that weekly social welfare rates were to increase by €12 from January 2024, which included participants on the Rural Social Scheme and Tús schemes.As part of Budget 2023, I announced a similar rate increase of €12 from January 2023 along with an increase of €5 to the top-up payment for Community Employment, the Rural Social Scheme and Tús schemes.I am happy to clarify, that participants on the Rural Social Scheme and Tús benefited from these three measures - a combined €29 in their weekly payment rate over the last two budgets. The value of the top-up payment now stands at €27.50 weekly.Any further changes to the top-up payment would need to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
40. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on introducing a parental benefit for parents availing of unpaid parental leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37527/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraParental Leave allows both parents to take 26 weeks unpaid leave for each eligible child before their twelfth birthday, or their sixteenth birthday if the child has a disability or long-term illness. My colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth holds responsibility for Parental Leave.
Any decision regarding the introduction of Parental Benefit would require careful consideration and consultation with relevant stakeholders as it would have cost implications and could only be considered in a Budgetary context.
There is a separate scheme called Parent's Leave which is also the responsibility of Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. However, there is an associated benefit payment for which I have responsibility. Parent’s Benefit is a payment for employed people, who are on Parent’s Leave from work, and self-employed people who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions.
Parent's Leave and Benefit are available to all eligible parents of children born or adopted from 1 November 2019 and must be availed of within the first two years of the child’s life or adoption. Parent’s Benefit is paid at €274 per week - the same rate as Maternity, Paternity and Adoptive Benefits.
In Budget 2024 I provided for the number of weeks of Parent's Leave and Benefit available to each eligible parent to be increased from seven weeks to nine weeks. This increase took effect from August 2024. The estimated cost of this increase in Parent's Benefit is €10.3 million in 2024 and the overall estimated cost for a full year is €25.6 million.
In 2024, it is estimated that my Department will spend in excess of €98.7 million on Parent’s Benefit in respect of an average of 6,909 recipients per week.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
41. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider developing an age friendly mark which could be adopted by both public and private bodies, which would contain a commitment to specific measures that would facilitate full participation by older people in activities and services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37634/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to supporting older people to access timely, high-quality, person-centred, integrated care in the most appropriate setting and to supporting positive ageing across the lifecourse.In delivering my department's mission of supporting and enabling individuals to achieve their potential in Irish society, we are guided by our Customer Charter which sets out the standards of service we commit to for all our customers regardless of differences including age.www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/bcde90-customer-charter-and-customer-action-plan/#customer-charter-and-action-plan-2023-2026.Our Intreo offices are accessible to all and most contain self-service desks, with trained staff providing digital customer service to those who don't have online access or who need extra support with online applications. We have piloted Quiet Rooms in two Intreo offices, to provide a space for customers who would prefer to interact with us seated and in a calm and private environment. Quiet rooms will be rolled out to all Intreo Offices by the end of Q1 2025. We are also introducing JAM (Just A Minute) cards in the coming weeks, which will assist us in providing a quality service for people with a hidden disability or communication barrier who need extra time and understanding.My department has a team of Access Officers who assist customers access our services and buildings where additional support is required. In terms of document and website accessibility, my department follows international guidelines on using plain language and recommended text, layout etc.In relation to the development of an age friendly mark, I am aware that Age Friendly Ireland already operates such an approval mark for both public and private bodies who meet the required standards and engage in specific training. Age Friendly Ireland coordinates 35 local Age Friendly programmes across each local authority area in Ireland and has representation at Assistant Secretary level from a number of government departments on its National Advisory Group.My department is currently engaging with this organisation to seek its involvement in our Customer Representative Forum, which also includes Age Action and Alone, and to explore how we might engage further to benefit our older customers. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
42. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that the hot school meals programme is not serving disabled children as the prescribed menu does not have sufficient flexibility to allow for children with dietary restrictions to be adequately provided for, and that the programme funding cannot be used for bringing in someone to cook, even if the school and chef have agreed a price for nutritious and varied meals less than the total monies already being provided to the school for the purpose of hot school meals. [26240/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I have grown the Hot School Meals Programme from a small pilot project to a nationwide programme now approved in 2,200 primary schools nationwide.In April 2024, my Department contacted the remaining 1,000 primary schools, 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. My Department is currently collating the responses received with the aim of including more schools, subject to available funding in Budget 2025.The school referred to by the Deputy has been receiving funding under the School Meals Programme since the 2016/2017 school year and has been funded for Hot School Meals since the 2023/2024 school year.Funding under this programme is solely for food and is made available on the basis of a set price per meal per child per day. It is not possible for the funding to be used to recruit a cook or for the school to negotiate other arrangements locally.All schools who wish to avail of funding are responsible for choosing their school meals supplier on the open market in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules and the primary relationship is between school and supplier. Responsibility for sourcing the meals is a matter for each school, but to secure funding they must first agree to apply the standards set out by signing a Service Level Agreement. This clearly sets out the school’s responsibilities and obligations in terms of Nutritional Standards for School Meals, which were developed by a working group led by the Health and Wellbeing Programme in the Department of Health, in consultation with Safefood and the Healthy Eating and Active Living Programme in the Health Service Executive.It is each school’s responsibility to source a supplier that can meet the dietary requirements of all their pupils. Each school is required to provide a menu choice of at least two different meals per day and where required, provide a vegetarian/vegan option and an option that caters for students’ religious and cultural dietary requirements and medical conditions. The food provided for those with allergies/ conditions must comply with the standards. Guidance on allergies such as coeliac disease and gluten intolerance is available from Safefood.ie.As such, the Hot School Meals Programme is specifically designed to cater for the dietary needs of the children.The Department provides the funding directly to the schools, who are then required to procure the provision of the food in compliance with public procurement rules and with relevant Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point, Food Safety regulations and the Nutritional Standards for School Meals.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
43. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to increase employment participation levels among those in receipt of one-parent family payments from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37488/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a number of supports in place to assist lone parents to obtain or retain employment.The One-Parent Family Payment (OPFP) is a means tested payment for lone parents, under 66, whose youngest child is under seven. When the youngest child is aged between 7 and 14 a lone parent can avail of the Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST) which is a means-tested payment. Where the youngest child is aged 14 or over Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) payment may be paid to lone parents, subject to the qualifying conditions. Working Family Payment is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children and can be paid concurrently with OPFP when people satisfy the qualifying conditions for both schemes.Both OPFP and the JST have been designed to support a person to pursue their individual, employment goals. Customers in receipt of the OPFP or the JST can engage in education, training or employment without it affecting their payment, as long as they continue to satisfy the means test and other qualifying conditions.These schemes include an earnings disregard whereby the first €165 of weekly earnings are not assessed as part of the means test. In addition, 50% of earnings above €165 per week are also disregarded in the means test. In April 2021, the earnings threshold of €425 per week which was being applied to persons in receipt of the One-Parent Family payment was removed.JST recipients are exempt from the Jobseeker’s Allowance conditions that require people to be available for and genuinely seeking full-time work. They can move into education and/or employment, including into part-time employment, and still receive payment, subject to a means test. JST recipients are obliged to engage with the Department’s Intreo Employment Service. The Intreo Employment Service (ES) will work with the customer, taking their caring requirements into account, to provide information on Employment Supports and opportunities that may be suitable depending on their individual circumstances.While OPFP recipients are not obliged to engage with Intreo ES, Intreo ES is available to them on a voluntary basis to support their progression to employment. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
44. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection in relation to a Social Welfare Appeals Office appeal (details supplied), and the outcome of the Workplace Relations Commission determination in relation to same, whether she intends to pursue any criminal investigations, in particular in reference to sections 252(1) and (2) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37644/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra51. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on the decision of the Workplace Relations Commission (details supplied) in relation to employment status of employees, and the changes she intends to make in the implementation of the law in relation to it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37643/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not comment on individual cases. It is important to emphasise that there are different statutory bodies in place that make determinations on employment status, all with distinct remits. My Department makes employment status decisions in relation to PRSI only, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners makes decisions in relation to tax and the WRC determines employment status as a preliminary issue when adjudicating on employment rights issues. Decisions of one body are not binding on another. Employment status decisions in my Department are made based on the criteria set out in the Code of Practice on Determining Employment Status and by reference to decided case law. It is important to point out that cases of misclassification of employment do not necessarily involve a deliberate or fraudulent misclassification of an employee as self-employed. Given how case law has evolved, and given the variety of employment arrangements, it may not always to be clear to an employer or a worker as to how the worker should be classified. Sometimes it happens that employer and/or employee are genuinely mistaken in their approach and are happy to correct the position once the Department’s officials make a determination. The policy of the Department, in general, is not to prosecute where debts arising from misclassification of employment issues are discharged. I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
45. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the work her Department has undertaken to improve access to the carer’s allowance. [37633/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Carer’s Allowance is the main scheme by which the Department provides income support to carers in the community. In 2024 the expenditure on the Carer’s Allowance scheme is estimated to be over €1.1 billion.Eligibility for Carer’s Allowance involves satisfying a means test. Means tests are an essential component of our social welfare system - they help to direct scarce resources to where they are needed most. Since my appointment as Minister, I have made a number of significant improvements to the means test for Carer's Allowance.Budget 2022 saw the first changes to the means test in 14 years when the income disregards were increased from €332.50 to €350 for a single person, and from €665 to €750 for carers with a spouse/partner. The capital and savings disregard for the Carer’s Allowance means assessment was also increased from €20,000 to €50,000. It is important to note that this equates to €100,000 in the case of a couple. As part of Budget 2024, and with effect from June this year, the weekly income disregards were further increased from €350 to €450 for a single person, and from €750 to €900 for carers with a spouse/partner. Since June 2022, this amounts to cumulative increases to the income disregards of €117.50 for a single carer and €235.00 for a carer who is part of couple. These are the highest weekly disregards in the Social Welfare system.These recent changes to the means test have enabled more carers on a reduced rate to move to a higher payment. Additionally, many carers who previously did not qualify for a payment due to their means have been brought into the Carer's Allowance system for the first time.Any further changes or improvements to the carer payments provided by my department, including the Carer’s Allowance payment, would need to be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context. I trust that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
46. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the possibility of allowing pro-rata pensions for those that currently have insufficient contributions to qualify; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37657/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department makes several payments to people over the age of 66. One of these is the State Pension (Contributory), which has a number of qualifying criteria, including having a minimum of 520 paid social insurance contributions. Where a person meets the qualifying criteria, the rate of payment is calculated based on the number of contributions, paid and credited.As the actuarial value of the State Pension (Contributory) is currently estimated at approximately €380,000, it is reasonable to require people claiming a contributory pension to have made at least 520 paid contributions over the term of their working life to qualify for a payment. As the Deputy is aware, last year, legislation was enacted to introduce a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system in response to the recommendations from the Pensions Commission. A key measure was the introduction of a flexible pension system. This new system is about providing people with choice. People will still be able to retire at 66 and draw-down their pension as they always have. Additionally, they may now choose to defer claiming their State Pension (Contributory) up to age 70 and receive an actuarially based increase in their weekly payment rate.People can decide for themselves what best suits their needs and circumstances. For example, a person who reaches age 66 who does not have sufficient contributions to qualify for a contributory State Pension may be able to use this period to continue to work to establish entitlement or increase their level of payment. Where a person does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for the contributory pension or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for the means-tested non-contributory pension with a maximum payment equivalent to 95% of the contributory rate.I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
47. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the up to date position regarding the roll out of hot school meals in schools in Cork; the number of new schools that are included in the most recent addition of schools; if she will furnish a list of all schools in Cork city and county availing of the scheme; the number of schools that remain outside the programme; the number that have expressed an interest in the programme, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37656/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have grown the Hot School Meals Programme 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 scheme, 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.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Tabular Statement - Schools in County Cork 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 |
48. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on ending discrimination against young unemployed people in terms of jobseekers’ payment rates in Budget 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37525/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAge-related rates apply to jobseekers aged 18 to 24 years to prevent long-term welfare dependency by encouraging participation in training and employment programmes. Where a young jobseeker participates in approved full-time education or training, they will receive the standard weekly maximum rate of payment of €232. If they participate on the Work Placement Experience Programme the weekly rate increases up to €335. There were approximately 9,600 young jobseekers on age related rates in August 2024.My Department’s focus is on supporting and improving the capacity of young people to take up employment, education, and training opportunities to help them enhance their employment prospects over time, as well as their ability to earn an adequate income. Over 2,000 places have been reserved for young people in the updated Pathways to Work strategy on Tús/Community Employment. The Department continues to be proactive in ensuring that places are filled by young jobseekers, where appropriate. At the end of June 2024, 1,956 participants on Community Employment (CE) Schemes and 724 participants on Tús, were aged under 30 years. Targeting at least 40% of Work Placement Experience Programme places per annum until end 2025, will be taken up by young people. At the end of June 2024, 47 per cent (523 participants) of total Work Placement Experience participants were aged under 30 when commencing the scheme. Additional measure includes providing early access to the JobsPlus recruitment subsidy for employers who a hire young jobseeker under the age of 30 and hosting bespoke Job Promotion events for young jobseekers to highlight potential career pathways, including apprenticeship and training options.Any changes to weekly social protection rates will be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
49. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social Protection how her Department ensures that recipients of jobseeker’s allowance or jobseeker’s benefit are available for and actively seeking work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37663/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA person in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit must satisfy all the conditions for the payment including being available for and genuinely seeking work.To satisfy this condition, it is necessary for the person to demonstrate that they have taken some action and made genuine efforts to secure employment. The person must be able to show that they have taken reasonable steps to secure employment during the period for which they have made a declaration of unemployment. Genuinely seeking work reviews are carried out periodically on jobseeker’s claims with a further declaration required from the jobseeker that they continue to be available for and genuinely seeking work. In addition, a person is included in the activation measures provided by my Department where they are supported by a case officer to find employment and source any further training or education if required. Jobseeker’s are supported through one to one meetings with a case officer where a personal progression plan is drawn up and agreed with the jobseeker. This also ensures that the person continues to be available for and genuinely seeking work for the period during which they are in receipt of a jobseeker’s payment.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
52. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she will take to address the situation regarding both the needs of clients of the National Advocacy Service and the rights of National Advocacy Service workers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26059/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I want to state that I value the important advocacy services that the National Advocacy Service (NAS) provides to adults with disabilities across the country and I am fully supportive of fair pay for these workers. The National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) is a Company Limited by Guarantee, and a registered charity. It is funded to provide services on behalf of the Citizens Information Board (CIB). CIB, in turn, is funded by my Department.I understand that the Board of NAS, and CIB, following consultation with my Department, agreed to implement a Labour Court recommendation in order to address pay divergences and to ensure that employees of NAS are paid the same as comparable grades in other CIB funded companies.Facilitated discussions on the implementation of this recommendation, involving NAS management and SIPTU and led by former Labour Court Chair Kevin Duffy, commenced in June.I am happy to confirm that an agreement was reached in July, which included immediate measures to address pay divergences in NAS and an independent process to address other outstanding claims regarding role comparability between NAS and the Citizens Information Service.I have been informed that NAS SIPTU members voted to accept this agreement in August and that NAS is now moving to implement the measures agreed.I trust this clarifies your query.
53. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on permanently increasing both child benefit and qualified child payments in Budget 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37524/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra272. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if she supports permanently increasing both child benefit and qualified child payments in Budget 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37620/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 272 together.
Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 years. The payment continues to be paid in respect of children until their 19th birthday where they are in full-time education or have a disability. The extension of Child Benefit to 18 year olds was one of my key priorities in Budget 2024 and I am very pleased that we were able to bring that change in from May this year. Child Benefit is paid at €140 per month. Twins are paid at one and a half times the standard monthly rate for each child, that is, €210 per month for each twin. All other multiple births are paid at double the standard monthly rate for each child, that is €280 per child.Child Benefit is currently in payment to approximately 677,000 families in respect of approximately 1.2 million children with an estimated expenditure of €2.2 billion for 2024.Most weekly social welfare payments also include provision for an additional payment - an Increase for a Qualified Child in respect of each qualified child up to the age of 18, or age 22 in certain circumstances. This is one of a number of measures which provide targeted support to low-income families. Following increases in previous Budgets, in Budget 2024, I increased the weekly Increase for a Qualified Child rates by €4 to €46 per child for under 12s and to €54 per week for those aged 12 and over. As a result, these rates are now 35.3% and 45.9% higher respectively compared to the rates in 2019 when a higher rate for those aged 12 and over was introduced.Social welfare payments, including Child Benefit and the Increase for a Qualified Child are kept under review in the context of the annual Budget.I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
