Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Invalidity pension is a payment for
people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy
the contribution conditions.
This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned. The medical
evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical
assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension
as she does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly,
disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and
the reason for it.
Further medical evidence was subsequently submitted by the claimant. This additional evidence,
along with the original information, was evaluated by a different medical assessor who
found that the person concerned does not satisfy the medical criteria. Accordingly, the deciding
officer has confirmed the original decision and the claimant has been notified of the outcome.
308. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when it is likely
that a decision will be made in respect of an application for disability allowance in the case
of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the
matter. [7680/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The person concerned has been
awarded disability allowance with effect from 27 April 2011. Weekly payment will commence
on 29 February 2012. Any arrears due to the person concerned will issue shortly after that
date. The person has been notified in writing of this decision.
Employment Support Services
309. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary
Question No. 351 of 31 January 2012, if she will clarify the situation in respect of a scheme
(details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7681/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The Government announced in Budget
2012 a reduction in the materials and training allocation for Job Initiative schemes.
For 2012 the grant per place will reduce to €433.33. This will result in a funding reduction
for materials/overheads from 8% to 4%. Training will cease to be paid for Job Initiative participants
except for training to meet statutory requirements. Any training claimed will be included
in the 4% materials/overheads allocation.
The minimum weekly payment to a Job Initiative participant will continue at €416.00. In
money terms the materials, overheads and training element of the grant will be reduced to
€17.33 per place per week.
Grant aid to the Sponsors to cover supervision of the project will continue on the same scale
as CE Supervisors.
I have given assurances to community and voluntary organisations that no project will be
forced to close as a result of the reductions in training and material grants, pending the completion
of a review at the end of March.
Department officials have discretion in assisting projects meet their commitments, subject to
individual schemes providing a clear and transparent demonstration of a need for additional
funding. The onus is on sponsors to make the case for the appropriate level of the grant for
their individual scheme. The level of grant sought will have to be justified by the scheme
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