John McGuinness
Ceist:673. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection to confirm the status of illness benefit payments to a person (details supplied). [2668/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (673)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department has tried to make contact with your office a number of times in order to ascertain the correct PPSN for this customer. They were unable to trace the customer accurately without the PPSN. Should you wish to re-submit this Question with the correct PPSN we can provide you with an answer.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (674)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:674. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an invalidity pension appeal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2697/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision-making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the Invalidity Pension appeal of the person concerned on 25th October 2024.
Under social welfare legislation a decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive. However, it may be reviewed by an Appeals Officer under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 in the light of new evidence or new facts.
On 12th November 2024, further medical information was received pertaining to the appellant and as a result a Section 317 Review of the appeal officer's decision was opened on this date. Once a decision is made on this Section 317 review, the person concerned will be notified in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Septic Tanks
Ceisteanna (675)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:675. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Social Protection if provision can be made under the additional needs payment to fund the emptying of septic tank systems until power is restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2732/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.
The scheme is 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.
The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (676, 683, 689)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:676. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if parents are entitled to have information regarding where the ingredients are sourced for the school meals recently rolled out in primary schools in Kerry and throughout the country; if this information is available for each meal provided to school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2734/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Holly Cairns
Ceist:683. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the current quality standards for hot school lunches; and the way these standards are monitored and maintained. [2873/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Robert O'Donoghue
Ceist:689. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if a healthy-meal approach is taken or nutritional experts consulted for the provision of hot meals in schools, which contain many additives, a prevalence of fructose and palm oil in their ingredients; if the nutritional value of the meals can be improved prior to a full roll out across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2955/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 676, 683 and 689 together.
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.
In 2023, this Department published an independent evidence-based Evaluation of the School Meals Programme which sets out the positive impact the Programme is having in terms of children’s education and wellbeing.
In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Hot School Meals Scheme will be extended to all remaining primary schools in 2025, meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children will be eligible for hot school meals in 2025.
A specific standard was set for School Meals under the Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals. A technical Nutrition Sub Group comprised of Dietitians from the following organisations was involved in developing these standards:
• The Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute of Ireland,
• The HSE,
• Safefood, and
• The Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
The primary relationship is between the school and supplier. All schools who wish to avail of funding under the programme are responsible for choosing their schools meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderer’s responsibilities and obligations, including in relation to compliance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.
Under the Hot School Meals Scheme, parents can choose food for their child every week from an approved menu which contains a range of options that are offered by the school’s supplier in accordance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.
All schools must submit a sample menu with their application for the School Meals Programme. Funding will not be provided for food that does not comply with these standards. All participating schools must also submit to my Department a signed Service Level Agreement which clearly sets out the school’s responsibilities and obligations in terms of compliance with nutritional standards. Adherence to the agreed Menu options is also monitored.
The menu must also accommodate those with food intolerances and allergies, including those with Coeliac disease. In addition, the supplier is required to check these details with the school upon award of the contract, in order to accommodate those children. The supplier must also provide clearly visible menu boards with an allergens list.
It is not mandatory for school meals suppliers to display a list of ingredients on the individual meals but this information must be displayed on the suppliers website. Where the country of origin of a final food is given and where this is not the same as the origin of the primary ingredient, then the origin of the primary ingredient must also be given.
The Department of Social Protection has an oversight role in relation to the School Meals Programme and conducts regular inspections of schools. Under the existing audit process, some 400 schools are inspected annually by this Department. While the 2024 round of inspections is concluded, we are currently completing final report, to date fewer than 1% of cases were found to have menu compliance issues.
In December 2024 this Department established an interdepartmental working group, which includes the Department of Health, the Department Education and the Department of Children, Equality and Disability, to oversee and make recommendations on the operation of the scheme, including in relation to nutrition inspection and evaluation.
In addition, my Department participates in the Department of Health’s Obesity Policy and Action Plan Implementation Group. This provides strategic oversight, coordination, and direction for cross-Departmental and cross-sectoral actions in this area.
On any occasion, where there may be any concerns about the quality of food provided under the School Meals Programme in any specific school, they should be brought to my Department’s attention, and it will be followed up accordingly.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (677)
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:677. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Social Protection to investigate the amount of additional wastage caused by the free school meals, per person, per school and per county, in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2745/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
In 2023, this Department published an independent evidence-based Evaluation of the School Meals Programme which sets out the positive impact the Programme is having in terms of children’s education and wellbeing.
In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Hot School Meals Scheme will be extended to all remaining primary schools in 2025, meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children will be eligible for hot school meals in 2025.
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. These rules clearly define the successful tender’s responsibilities and obligations. The primary relationship is between school and supplier.
In terms of packaging and waste, under tender documentation, and as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the school meal supplier is responsible for operating policies which progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging. Depending on the school size and school meal requirements, the school will decide on the method and logistics that best meets their needs in line with environmental standards. In addition, under tender documentation requirements, the school is committed to the principles of environmental management in its activities, and it encourages the implementation of sustainability principles in its procurement practices.
My department does not collect details of the amount of additional wastage caused by school meals, per person, per school and per county.
Under the Programme for Government, I will continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, the reduction food waste and the use recyclable packaging.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Ministerial Responsibilities
Ceisteanna (678)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:678. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will publish the Ministerial brief he received following the recent formation of the Government. [2768/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In my first week as Minister, I received a comprehensive Ministerial brief on the many areas for which I am responsible in the Department of Social Protection. As has been the policy of the Department, it is intended that the briefing material will be published in the coming weeks.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (679)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:679. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a review of the invalidity pension application of a person (details supplied). [2783/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 10 January 2025. Based on the information supplied, the application was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. The person referred to was notified on 21 January 2025 of the decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and/or appeal.
In order to carry out a review of the decision to refuse her application, the person in question can submit additional medical evidence in support of her claim to the effect that she is permanently incapable of doing all types of work. Should the decision to refuse her application remain unchanged following the review, she will still have the option of further review or she can appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (680)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:680. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider expanding the humanitarian assistance scheme to cover commercial, agricultural and small businesses who have suffered damage in the recent storms and the snow in early January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2792/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, administered by my department through the local Community Welfare Service, was activated on the 23rd January 2025 to assist householders affected across the country by Storm Éowyn.
The purpose of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is to provide financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and, in some instances, structural repair.
My department provides assistance to households in the immediate aftermath of severe weather events under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. This includes emergency support payments for items such as essential food and clothing in the immediate aftermath of the event. These payments are not income tested and are based on the immediate need of impacted individuals.
Support is also available for the replacement of white goods and basic furniture and to repair damage to homes. Income limits for these supports are: €50,000 for a single person; €90,000 for a couple and €15,000 per dependent child.
Reduced or tapered levels of support may be provided in cases where a household‘s income is above these limits.
It is important to note that my department remains available to provide financial support to people who do not have any power or water supply. This includes support to pay for alternative accommodation if necessary.
People who need assistance in the areas affected should contact their local Community Welfare Service by visiting their local Intreo Centre or Branch Office, or phoning the Department at 0818 60 70 80 or emailing the Community Welfare Service at HAS@welfare.ie.
Support for commercial, agricultural and small businesses is not within the scope of the scheme. Support for those sectors would be a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 681 answered with Question No. 636.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (682)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:682. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an appeal against a refusal of disability allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2825/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision-making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the disability allowance appeal of the person concerned on 8th November 2024.
Under social welfare legislation a decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive. However, it may be reviewed by an Appeals Officer under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 in the light of new evidence or new facts.
Further medical information was received pertaining to the appellant and as a result a Section 317 Review of the appeal officer's decision was opened on 8th November 2024. Once a decision is made on this Section 317 review, the appellant will be notified in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 683 answered with Question No. 676.
School Meals Programme
Ceisteanna (684)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:684. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of schools under the hot meal programme currently; and the number of schools which have registered complaints with the quality of the food to the relevant office in his Department. [2874/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
In 2023, this Department published an independent evidence-based Evaluation of the School Meals Programme which sets out the positive impact the Programme is having in terms of children’s education and wellbeing.
In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Hot School Meals Scheme will be extended to all remaining primary schools in 2025, meaning that approximately 3,200 schools and 550,000 children will be eligible for hot school meals in 2025.
A specific standard was set for School Meals under the Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals. These were based on the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Food Based Dietary Recommendations for healthy eating by a technical working group led by:
• the Health and Wellbeing Programme of the Department of Health
• Safefood and
• the Healthy Eating and Active Living Programme in the Health Service Executive.
The primary relationship is between the school and supplier and if a school is not satisfied with the standard of food they should bring it to the attention of the supplier. All schools who wish to avail of funding under the programme are responsible for choosing their schools meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderer’s responsibilities and obligations, including in relation to compliance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals.
Under the Hot School Meals Scheme, parents can choose food for their child every week from an approved menu which contains a range of options that are offered by the school’s supplier in accordance with Nutritional Standards for School Meals and Nutritional Standards for Hot School Meals. The Department reviews the options to ensure nutrition value.
The Department of Social Protection has an oversight role in relation to the School Meals Programme and conducts regular inspections of schools. Under the existing audit process, some 400 schools are inspected annually by this Department. While the 2024 round of inspections is concluded, we are currently completing final report, to date less than 1% of cases were found with menu compliance issues.
All schools must submit a sample menu with their application for the School Meals Programme. Funding will not be provided for food that doesn’t comply with these standards. All participating schools must also submit to this Department a signed Service Level Agreement which clearly sets out the school’s responsibilities and obligations in terms of compliance with nutritional standards. Adherence to the agreed Menu options is also monitored.
Under the Programme for Government the Department will continue to expand and improve the Hot School Meals Scheme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, reduce food waste and utilise recyclable packaging.
We do not have a register of complaints as the relationship is between the school and the supplier; however on any occasion, where there may be any concerns about the quality of food provided under the School Meals Programme in any specific school, they should be brought to my Department’s attention, and it will be followed up accordingly.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Social Welfare Appeals
Ceisteanna (685)
George Lawlor
Ceist:685. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection when he expects a decision will be made on an appeal for a domiciliary care allowance for a person (details supplied) who submitted the appeal in May 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2900/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 30th May 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 18th June 2024.
This case is currently with an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
Significant efforts and resources have been devoted to reforming the appeal process in recent years and further improvements in appeals processing times are a priority for the Chief Appeals Officer. There is active engagement between the Appeals Office and the Department to ensure that the appeals process operates efficiently and additional resource have been provide for this purpose to the Appeals service.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (686)
John McGuinness
Ceist:686. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if disability allowance will be approved immediately for a person (details supplied); if an oral hearing will be arranged urgently as this would benefit her Department’s officials in understanding the condition of the applicant; and if he will expedite the process. [2912/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making 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 will be notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision shortly.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 687 answered with Question No. 636.
Social Welfare Schemes
Ceisteanna (688)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:688. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Social Protection if financial assistance is available to persons who rely on medical devices powered by electricity to purchase electricity generators as a back-up in case of a power outage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2947/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.
The scheme is 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.
The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need. This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.
Where a person resides in their own home and relies on a medical device powered by electricity, the person should contact the Health Service Executive with any concerns they may have regarding the powering of such devices.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 689 answered with Question No. 676.
Ministerial Staff
Ceisteanna (690)
Aidan Farrelly
Ceist:690. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide a schedule of special advisors attached to him, as of 29 January 2025; and the official grade and or title held by that special advisor. [3005/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of the 29th January 2025, I have no special advisor assigned to me.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Ceisteanna (691)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:691. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the decision to revoke the free travel scheme for a person (details supplied). [3013/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Make Work Pay initiative, persons whose disability related social protection payment ceases due to taking up employment, may retain their entitlement to Free Travel for a period of 5 years after their disability payment has ceased. The entitlement of the person concerned to Free Travel was linked to their former entitlement to Disability Allowance, which ceased in November 2019. As the 5 year period has now expired, the person's entitlement to Free Travel was terminated in November 2024.
In Budget 2024, a significant extension to the Free Travel scheme was announced for people who are medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months.
From 29th of July 2024, the measure extends access to the Free Travel scheme to:
• People who have never been medically fit to drive due to a disability; and
• Drivers who have a license and have been deemed medically unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months.
The person concerned was advised of the above extension to the Free Travel scheme as part of the Free Travel termination letter which issued in November 2024. The appropriate application form was also enclosed with the letter. There is no record of this application form having been returned to the Department by the person concerned.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Payments
Ceisteanna (692, 740)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:692. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of farm assist in County Clare for each of the years 2020 to 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3015/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Donna McGettigan
Ceist:740. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people in receipt of farm assist in County Clare for each of the years 2020 to 2024 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3352/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 692 and 740 together,
The number of recipients of Farm Assist in County Clare for each of the years 2020 - 2024 are shown below.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Farm Assist |
230 |
239 |
194 |
176 |
158 |
The Deputy may also be interested to know that the the number of people on these schemes by year, including a breakdown by county, is available in the Annual Statistics Reports published by the Statistics Unit of the Department of Social Protection on gov.ie (currently available up to 2023).