Written Answers Nos. 256-278
256. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of parents of preschool children that responded to the survey on patronage; and the percentage of them that chose non-religious patronage, in tabular form. [27672/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra257. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of parents of children attending non-religious and/or multidenominational schools that responded to the survey on patronage; and the percentage of them that chose non-religious patronage, in tabular form. [27673/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra258. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the percentage of all parental respondents to the survey on patronage that chose non-religious patronage. [27674/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 256, 257 and 258 together.
On 4 November 2025, my department published a 'Framework and action plan for delivery of increased choice for parents on education provision at primary level'. The main focus of this framework and action plan was an online, school-specific survey. The survey ran from 4 November to 16 December 2025.
Through the survey, my department is obtaining clear information on the preferences of parents and guardians about the primary schools which their children currently attend, or will attend in coming years, on a number of important areas of primary school provision, including patronage/ethos, co-education or single-sex school provision and language of instruction (English or Irish).
The results of the survey will help my department to plan how education at primary level is provided.
As set out in the framework and action plan, initial high-level summary results are to be published in early 2026, with a Q2 2026 timeframe for the school-level data.
In line with this commitment, I recently announced the high-level national and county summary results in respect of the preferences of parents with children currently in primary school. My department is continuing its detailed analysis of the survey data and is preparing finalised school-specific reports. These school reports will also include the preferences of parents and guardians of children who are not yet in primary school and will be issued to all primary schools in early May. This is in line with the Q2 2026 timeframe that was previously stated by my department.
The preliminary national findings indicate that:
• Approximately 60% of parents in denominational schools wish to retain that ethos.
• Approximately 73% of parents in the 276 single-sex primary schools favour a move to co-education.
• Approximately 87% of parents in English-medium schools support maintaining English as the primary language of instruction.
While these figures provide a national overview, it is important to note that it is the preferences within each individual school community that will determine future direction. Demand for change, or continuity, will vary from school to school. A good response rate at individual school level will also be relevant in assessing the parental preferences.
259. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next round of Sports Capital Funding will be announced; and the maximum grant that will be allowable. [27577/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in September 2024 under the 2023 round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
A review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a new round of the CSFF, which I expect to open in the coming months. . New guidelines will be published in advance of the next round including inter alia the relevant maximum grants. It is anticipated that the next round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
260. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the research currently being undertaken regarding adult welfare concerns in local community sports and athletics clubs; the policies and procedures in place for handling adult welfare concerns within such clubs; whether there are plans to introduce or strengthen governance standards for committees of local community sports and athletics clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27693/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards including athlete welfare.
Sport Ireland works with National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) to ensure that appropriate policies are put in place to take a proactive approach to safeguarding by identifying and mitigating risks to athlete welfare. It also works with NGBs to ensure mechanisms are in place to appropriately react to and handle complaints or issues when they arise.
Ultimately, NGBs are independent autonomous organisations responsible for their own governance including safeguarding procedures and disciplinary and complaints processes.
I have referred the Deputy's questions to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy and I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
261. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on an inappropriate use of an acoustic device, with implications for animal welfare ( details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27691/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended provide strict protection for all Irish species listed on Annex IV of the EU’s Habitats Directive. The EC Regulations prohibit certain activities which could impact on the conservation status of these species. These activities may only be permitted by way of a derogation and a person can apply for a derogation if they cannot avoid works which would capture, kill or disturb them, damage or destroy their breeding sites or resting places.
262. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when and the progress that has been made with regard to the boundary changes passed for local government local electoral wards. [27419/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers the Minister to divide a local authority administrative area into local electoral areas by order. However, in advance of deciding to make an order under section 23 of the 2001 Act, the Minister must, in accordance with section 32(2) of the Local Government Act 1991, request An Coimisiún Toghcháin to prepare a report having regard to such matters as may be specified by the Minister.
Before making a request to An Coimisiún, section 61 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides that the Minister shall lay a draft of the request before each House of the Oireachtas for approval by resolution by each House. Following the completion of a review, the Minister must publish the report of An Coimisiún and must have regard to the report in deciding whether to make an order in relation to any amendment to local electoral area boundaries or municipal districts.
The current configuration of local electoral areas has applied since the 2019 local elections, and followed a review of local electoral area boundaries conducted in two parts, both published in 2018. I will consider the need for future boundary reviews in advance of the 2029 local elections.
263. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the use of hemp-based construction materials, including hempcrete, has been assessed as part of sustainable building strategies; if any pilot schemes or supports exist for its development in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27546/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation issued the Green Public Procurement Circular 17/2025 in July 2025 available at the following link: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/Circular_17_2025_PDF.pdf
The purpose of the Circular is to provide updated instructions to government departments and the public sector regarding 11 of the 54 actions included in Buying Greener: Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2027.
Sections 2.31 to 2.32 of the circular provides the following instructions:
2.3.1 In line with the Public Sector Climate Action Mandate all public bodies shall specify low carbon construction methods and low carbon cement material as far as practicable for directly procured or supported construction projects. From 2026, public bodies must include specifications for low carbon construction related components and sustainable building processes in accordance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, using Construction Products Regulation data where available and EN 15978:2011 Sustainability of construction works (EN 15978), and reference to GPP criteria related to construction, including National GPP guidance, where appropriate in the Preliminary Project Brief. In addition, whole life-cycle analysis in accordance with EN 15978, where appropriate, shall be used to inform the design of building projects over 1,000 m2 to ensure life-cycle Global Warming Potential is optimised at the building level and to facilitate declarations of embodied carbon for inclusion in the Building Energy Rating/Energy Performance Certificate of buildings completed after 31 December 2027.
2.3.2 Whole life-cycle costing to be used by all public sector bodies for all works contracts as defined by the Capital Works Management Framework.
2.3.3 For the procurement of low carbon cement material, public sector bodies and beneficiaries of grant (Exchequer) funding should implement construction related technical guidance that has been developed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
The guidance published by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment (DETE) is available at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-enterprise-tourism-and-employment/publications/procurement-guidance-for-public-bodies-reducing-embodied-carbon-in-construction/”
The Whole Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions assessment referred to in Par 2.3.1of Circular 17/2025 and Paragraphs 5 and 6 of DETE Technical Guidance for construction materials takes account of the benefits of low embodied carbon materials such as hemp-based materials.
All materials used in construction works subject to Building Regulations should comply with all parts of the regulations and should be fit for their intended use and the conditions in which they are to be used. NSAI Agrément assesses, specifies testing, and where appropriate, issues Agrément certificates confirming that new building products, materials, fit for purpose in accordance with the Irish Building Regulations to those products and processes which do not fall within the scope of existing construction standards either because they are innovative or because they deviate from established norms.
The approach to the circular economy for construction materials is set out in the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2026-2028. Building on the work of the Construction Sector Group and the Irish Green Building Council, Department of Climate Energy and Environment will publish a ‘Circularity Roadmap for the Construction Sector’ as set out in Table 5.1.4 List of Actions of this strategy.
264. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 680 of 20 January 2026, whether there is an update on the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme as the payment period concludes for many applicants; if a replacement support is being considered; if so, the details of any such support or supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27635/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme was established following engagement with stakeholders in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from the restrictions on turf cutting on 53 raised bog special areas of conservation (SAC) and was extended in 2014 to include 36 raised bog natural heritage areas (NHA).
This scheme has compensated those impacted by restrictions on turf-cutting on protected sites, and over its 15-year term has helped to ensure the conservation of important peatland sites of unique ecological value.
Other supports, such as those operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and the Department of Social Protection, are available to those with older homes, inefficient heating systems and those most at risk of fuel poverty.
265. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when OMCs that have applied for payment under the interim fire safety scheme will receive funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27683/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra266. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a compensation scheme for OMCs with apartment defects will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27684/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
Government approval was received on 18 September 2024 for the priority drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill. The purpose of this legislation is to place the defects remediation Scheme on a statutory footing, further to commitments contained in the Programme for Government and Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 - 2030.
The Scheme will provide supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded under the Scheme.
The General Scheme of the Bill has undergone pre-legislative scrutiny during the Dáil autumn term 2025 and I received the report from the Joint Oireachtas Committee in January.
An Interim Remediation Scheme (Scheme) has been in place since December 2023, to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings pending introduction of the Statutory Scheme and completion of the full remedial works. The Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013. The Scheme is being administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis. Applications can be made via the Housing Agency’s website at www.housingagency.ie
As of the end of March 2026, 256 applications to the Interim Remediation Scheme have been validated, having met the required eligibility criteria. These applications represent 22,212 residential units, with circa 74% in the Dublin region.
Three of the four pathfinder projects have been approved for funding, in the amount of €21.3million and remediation works have commenced at one project location. Payments in the amount of €3million have been made to date. Payments will continue to be made for remediation works, where commenced and certified.
In February 2026, the Government announced significant changes to the Scheme.
These changes will simplify procurement and cut through administrative hurdles, allowing works relating to fire detection and alarm systems to be completed more quickly while ensuring residents can remain safely in their homes until full building remediation is finished. The remediation process will prioritise the installation of fire detection and alarm systems ahead of full building remedial works which will follow under the upcoming statutory scheme.
267. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied); if he will advise if this person is entitled to claim a pension on retirement at 58 years-of-age; if the person is also entitled to claim a supplementary pension; if so the amount this will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27687/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra268. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that fire fighters who transferred from the retained service to Dublin Fire Brigade were entitled to buy service for pension purposes at the time of transfer; if he is aware of any scheme or mechanism for full time fire fighters to purchase this service retrospectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27688/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which they are responsible. Local authorities are entirely independent corporate entities having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions and responsibilities, including that of the fire service within their functional area.
My Department does not hold employment records for local authority employees. Any queries regarding an individual’s pension arrangements should be directed to the pension administrator of the local authority concerned. As such, I have no role in this regard.
269. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the evidential or analytical basis used by his Department in designing and applying penalty rate reductions or sanctions within the jobseeker system; whether these measures are informed by empirical research; if so, to provide details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27372/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed, under Pathways to Work, to encourage the take-up of employment support opportunities, including implementing reduced rates for non-engagement with the Intreo Employment Service. Reduced rates were introduced in 2011 as a means of encouraging jobseekers to cooperate with efforts of the Department to assist them in securing employment.
The weekly reduced rates applied for jobseekers Allowance and Jobseekers Benefit is €90 since January 2025 and €50 for those aged under 25 and in receipt of a reduced age-related Jobseekers Allowance. The reduced rate for customers in receipt of Jobseekers Pay Related Benefit which was introduced at the end of March 2025 is set at 20% of their weekly payment. In 2025, over 11,000 reduced rates were applied.
Entitlement to a jobseeker payment is dependent on the recipient being available for, capable of and genuinely seeking work. This reflects the concept of ‘rights and responsibilities’ whereby people who are unemployed have the right to an income support from the State and a right to be supported in their efforts to secure employment, but also have a responsibility to seek employment and to engage with the employment services offered by the State.
Intreo supports jobseekers to find work and there are a wide range of supports on offer in terms of further education, training, upskilling, work placements as well as programmes such as Community Employment and TUS.
A reduced rate is a final step in a process to encourage a jobseeker to avail of the employment supports on offer and once a jobseeker resumes engagement the reduced rate is lifted immediately. Whether a reduced rate applies, and the duration of its application, is totally within the control of the claimant.
Over the recent period, the labour market has been performing at full employment, with a number of records achieved over successive quarters. In light of these conditions and the labour market outlook, it is important to ensure that incentives are aligned so that individuals seek employment.
A 2024 OECD Report - 'Impact Evaluation of Ireland’s Active Labour Market Policies' - states that the introduction of reduced rates of pay for jobseekers who decline intervention offered to them to assist re-entry to the labour market on a legislative basis provides clearer guidelines on sanctionable offences and penalties for non-compliance. It also stated that overall activation requirements for unemployment insurance in Ireland place it in the bottom quintile of strictness among OECD countries and it has become less strict over time relative to other OECD countries.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
270. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of jobseeker’s payment recipients who have had a reduced rate of payment applied due to penalties or sanctions, broken down by type of penalty, the duration, age group, social welfare office and the total aggregate value of payment reductions arising from such penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27373/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraReduced rates were introduced in 2011 as a means of encouraging jobseekers to engage proactively with my department’s Intreo Employment Services to assist them find a pathway to employment.
Intreo Employment Services supports jobseekers to find work and there are a wide range of supports on offer in terms of further education, training, upskilling, work placements as well as programmes such as Community Employment and TUS.
Jobseekers who do not engage with the Intreo Employment Service or who fail to participate in appropriate employment interventions can have their jobseeker’s payment reduced and subsequently be disqualified from their payment for up to 9 weeks. They may also have their entitlement to a Jobseekers payment reviewed based on a failure to genuinely seek work. Once a jobseeker resumes this engagement the reduced rate is lifted immediately. Whether a reduced rate applies, and the duration of its application is totally within the control of the claimant.
The weekly reduced rates applied for jobseekers Allowance and Jobseekers Benefit is €90 since January 2025 and €50 for those aged under 25 and in receipt of a reduced age-related Jobseekers Allowance. The reduced rate for customers in receipt of Jobseekers Pay Related Benefit which was introduced at the end of March 2025 is set at 20% of their weekly payment.
It is not possible to provide a breakdown on the specific type or reason why the reduced rate was applied, the duration or the value of payment reductions arising from the application of such sanctions.
The tables below provides a breakdown of the total number of reduced rates applied in 2025 at each of my department’s Intreo Centres. The second table provides a breakdown by age group for the same period. It is possible that a person may have multiple reduced rates applied throughout the course of the year.
|
Intreo Office |
No. of Reduced Rates applied in 2025 |
|
Arklow |
92 |
|
Bray |
129 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
12 |
|
Clondalkin |
165 |
|
Newbridge |
338 |
|
Tallaght |
536 |
|
Ballyfermot |
345 |
|
Bishops Square |
267 |
|
Nutgrove |
42 |
|
Parnell Street |
672 |
|
Blanchardstown |
387 |
|
Balbriggan |
183 |
|
Ballymun |
281 |
|
Coolock |
473 |
|
Finglas |
254 |
|
Swords |
140 |
|
Cavan |
174 |
|
Drogheda |
359 |
|
Navan |
196 |
|
Dundalk |
492 |
|
Buncrana |
10 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
14 |
|
Donegal |
127 |
|
Dungloe |
9 |
|
Dunfanaghy |
3 |
|
Letterkenny |
113 |
|
Manorhamilton |
7 |
|
Sligo |
36 |
|
Cahirciveen |
8 |
|
Kenmare |
3 |
|
Killarney |
34 |
|
Limerick |
608 |
|
Listowel |
43 |
|
Newcastlewest |
120 |
|
Tralee |
81 |
|
Waterford |
728 |
|
Wexford |
429 |
|
Carlow |
107 |
|
Kilkenny |
89 |
|
Cork City |
319 |
|
Carrigaline |
34 |
|
Mallow |
111 |
|
Cobh |
44 |
|
Bantry |
17 |
|
Edenderry |
61 |
|
Portlaoise |
177 |
|
Clonmel |
217 |
|
Thurles |
139 |
|
Tullamore |
379 |
|
Achill |
3 |
|
Athlone |
70 |
|
Ballina |
152 |
|
Belmullet |
7 |
|
Castlebar |
73 |
|
Longford |
90 |
|
Mullingar |
130 |
|
Roscommon |
161 |
|
Westport |
50 |
|
Ennis |
265 |
|
Clifden |
11 |
|
Galway |
341 |
|
Loughrea |
125 |
|
Total |
11,082 |
|
Age Group |
Number of Reduced Rate Applied in 2025 |
|
18–20 |
1,036 |
|
21–24 |
2,132 |
|
25–29 |
1,720 |
|
30–39 |
3,215 |
|
40–49 |
2,088 |
|
50+ |
891 |
|
Total |
11,082 |
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
271. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the research, evaluation, or analysis conducted by his Department in relation to unemployment supports and activation measures in the past three years; and whether any such work has been published or made available for external scrutiny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27374/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department regularly reviews unemployment supports and activation measures to ensure participants are supported by effective, evidence-based policies that provide value for public finances. A number of evaluations and research on employment supports offered by the Department are in progress.
My Department regularly commissions research for, and publishes, Jobseeker Customer Satisfaction Reports for Intreo and Intreo Partners (National Employment Service and Local Area Employment Services).
In 2025 the Department engaged the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU) to carry out a qualitative research project into Unemployed People’s Experience of the Intreo Partners LAES. The INOU’s report is being drafted.
A review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme was published in August 2024. Its findings were used to revise the scheme guidelines, including reducing required minimum hours from 21 to 15 hours, and expanding eligibility.
In July 2024, the Department completed and published a review of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), launched by the then Minister of State. The review examined the role, relevance, governance and resourcing of the scheme. It was informed by extensive consultation with participants, implementing bodies, stakeholders and other Departments. The final report, which is publicly available, made 19 recommendations, several of which have been implemented with further measures progressed through Budget 2026.
The OECD published an impact evaluation of Ireland’s active labour market programmes for long-term unemployed people. The publication, ‘Impact evaluation of Ireland’s Active Labour Market Policies’ was launched on 13th March 2024.
The evaluation was carried out by the OECD in partnership with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and staff from my Department. It found positive labour market impacts for both the Community Employment and Tús programmes. The main findings of the impact evaluation demonstrated CE and Tús having a positive impact on employment and the earnings of scheme participants in the longer term.
The evaluation made several recommendations on how the Department can adapt these programmes to better support participants. These recommendations are under consideration in the development of the Department’s upcoming Pathways to Work strategy.
An evaluation of the Lone Parents Digital Activation Project was commissioned in 2024 and is ongoing.
In 2024 the Department commissioned a quantitative analysis of the Intreo Partners Local Area Employment Service (LAES). The review is ongoing.
A review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme was published in August 2023. It made recommendations to merge the schemes, and the new Work and Access scheme was launched in 2024.
An Evaluation of Back to Work Family Dividend commenced in late 2023 and is being finalised.
272. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection to list all academic or independent research projects on unemployment, jobseeker activation or welfare conditionality that his Department has commissioned, funded or co-funded, formally collaborated on or granted access to administrative data for, in each of the past three years; and to provide the titles of such projects; the institutions involved; the nature of his Department’s engagement in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27375/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department regularly reviews unemployment supports and activation measures to ensure participants are supported by effective, evidence-based policies that provide value for public finances. A number of evaluations and research on supports offered by the Department are in progress.
My Department regularly commissions research for, and publishes, Jobseeker Customer Satisfaction Reports for Intreo and Intreo Partners (National Employment Service and Local Area Employment Services).
In 2025 the Department engaged the Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU) to carry out a qualitative research project into Unemployed People’s Experience of the Intreo Partners LAES. The INOU’s report is being drafted.
A review of the Wage Subsidy Scheme was published in August 2024. Its findings were used to revise the scheme guidelines, including reducing required minimum hours from 21 to 15 hours, and expanding eligibility.
In July 2024, the Department completed and published a review of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), launched by the then Minister of State. The review examined the role, relevance, governance and resourcing of the scheme. It was informed by extensive consultation with participants, implementing bodies, stakeholders and other Departments. The final report, which is publicly available, made 19 recommendations, several of which have been implemented with further measures progressed through Budget 2026.
The OECD published an impact evaluation of Ireland’s active labour market programmes for long-term unemployed people. The publication, ‘Impact evaluation of Ireland’s Active Labour Market Policies’ was launched on 13th March 2024.
The evaluation was carried out by the OECD in partnership with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and staff from my Department. It found positive labour market impacts for both the Community Employment and Tús programmes. The main findings of the impact evaluation demonstrated CE and Tús having a positive impact on employment and the earnings of scheme participants in the longer term.
The evaluation made several recommendations on how the Department can adapt these programmes to better support participants. These recommendations are under consideration in the development of the Department’s upcoming Pathways to Work strategy.
An evaluation of the Lone Parents Digital Activation Project was commissioned in 2024 and is ongoing.
In 2024 the Department commissioned a quantitative analysis of the Intreo Partners Local Area Employment Service (LAES). The review is ongoing.
A review of the Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Scheme was published in August 2023. It made recommendations to merge the schemes, and the new Work and Access scheme was launched in 2024.
An Evaluation of Back to Work Family Dividend commenced in late 2023 and is being finalised.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
273. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection whether any external academic researchers have been granted access to anonymised or administrative data relating to jobseeker payments or activation measures in the past three years; if not, the policy basis for restricting such access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27376/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra275. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the procedures by which external researchers may apply for access to administrative data held by his Department in relation to unemployment and jobseeker payments, including the number of applications or approaches for access received and approved in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27378/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 273 and 275 together.
As part of the Irish Statistical System Code of Practice (ISSCOP) certification process, my Department published its policy for access to administrative data for research purposes in 2023. The policy is published on the Department's statistics landing page on gov.ie, at gov.ie/dsp/statistics. The policy was informed by the microdata access policies set out by the Central Statistics Office. My Department has not received any requests under this policy. Recertification of the Department's ISSCOP credentials is due to take place in 2028.
274. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will share any research, evaluation, or administrative analysis undertaken by his Department to assess the social, economic, or behavioural impacts of penalty rate reductions or sanctions on jobseeker recipients; if no, such analysis has been conducted to confirm this explicitly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27377/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJobseeker payments have eligibility conditions that include being capable of work and genuinely seeking work. Once claiming for a jobseeker payment, employment services staff agree a Personal Progression Plan with the claimant. The plan can identify training and job search goals.
Intreo employment services provide a range of supports to assist young jobseekers in finding and sustaining quality employment. These include training grants, work placements, employment schemes and JobsIreland, an online vacancy platform where jobseekers can upload their CV. People in receipt of a jobseeker payment are expected to fully engage and use the supports offered.
Reduced rates were introduced in 2011 as a means of encouraging jobseekers to cooperate with efforts of the Department to assist them in securing employment. Jobseekers who do not engage with the Intreo Employment Service or who fail to participate in appropriate employment interventions can have their jobseeker’s payment reduced and subsequently be disqualified from their payment for up to 9 weeks. They may also have their entitlement to a Jobseekers payment reviewed based on a failure to genuinely seek work. A reduced rate is a final step in a process to encourage a jobseeker to avail of the employment supports on offer and once a jobseeker resumes engagement the reduced rate is lifted immediately.
The weekly reduced rates applied for jobseekers Allowance and Jobseekers Benefit is €90 since January 2025 and €50 for those aged under 25 and in receipt of a reduced age-related Jobseekers Allowance. The reduced rate for customers in receipt of Jobseekers Pay Related Benefit which was introduced at the end of March 2025 is set at 20% of their weekly payment. In 2025, over 11,000 reduced rates were applied.
The OECD published an impact evaluation of Ireland’s active labour market programmes for long-term unemployed people. The publication, ‘Impact evaluation of Ireland’s Active Labour Market Policies’ was launched on 13th March 2024.
The evaluation was carried out by the OECD in partnership with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and staff from my Department. It found positive labour market impacts for both the Community Employment and Tús programmes. The report noted that the introduction on a legislative basis of reduced rates provided clearer guidelines on sanctionable offences and penalties for non-compliance. It also noted that compliance strictness has reduced over time, and Ireland is among the least strict OECD countries in terms of activation compliance. The main findings of the impact evaluation demonstrated CE and Tús having a positive impact on employment and the earnings of scheme participants in the longer term.
276. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to partial capacity benefit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27388/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPartial Capacity Benefit (PCB) is a social welfare scheme which allows a person to return to work or self-employment and continue to receive a payment from my Department. People in receipt of Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit (the latter for a minimum of 26 weeks) who wish to return to work are eligible for PCB if their capacity for work is reduced due to their medical condition.
The person concerned applied for Partial Capacity Benefit on 23 March 2026. For a customer to qualify for Partial Capacity Benefit they must be deemed moderate, severe or profound by the Department’s medical assessor. The amount of payment is set at 50%, 75% or 100% of their previous payment depending on the extent to which their condition is assessed to impair their capacity to work.
The customer concerned has had their medical completed by the Medical Assessor on 13 April 2026 and has been deemed ‘moderate’. A letter was issued on the same day to the person concerned informing them of the result. The next step in the process is to receive confirmation from the employer and the person concerned of the exact date they intend to return to work. This avoids any overpayment with their underlying scheme namely Illness Benefit.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
277. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); to provide an update on their pension application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27401/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for state pension contributory was received on 25 March 2026. The person concerned was awarded this pension at the weekly rate of €260.80 and €22.00 living alone increase from their 66th birthday, 14 May 2026. They were also awarded the Fuel allowance.
The person concerned was advised that they may benefit from applying for the HomeMakers and HomeCaring schemes. If the person concerned is awarded caring credits/caring periods, their pension entitlement will be reviewed, and they will be notified of the outcome without delay.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
278. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); the status of their fuel allowance application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27403/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for Fuel Allowance on 17 February 2026. They were awarded the fuel allowance on 5 March 2026 with effect from 20 February 2026.
The first weekly payment issued on 13 March 2026 along with arrears due from 20 February 2026. The person concerned was also advised that they will be paid by installments which is their preferred payment method after this fuel season.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
