Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
Social Welfare Code
358. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will have the
views of a council in relation to the community employment scheme given consideration
(details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8414/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): Following the reductions in the CE
training and materials grant announced in the Budget, the Department of Social Protection
commenced a review of the financial resources of individual schemes. This review is scheduled
to be completed by the end of March. All sponsors have been contacted by Department officers
at local level to brief them on the review, discuss their returns and deal with any queries that
the sponsors may have. The submissions will be made to these officers. In addition to these local
discussions, discussion and consultation with the main representative bodies and stakeholders,
including councils, involved in schemes will take place over the coming weeks in regard to
funding.
Departmental Expenditure
359. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been
given to her Department seeking insurance quotes collectively for all FÁS schemes nationwide
or within each county as a means of achieving more competitive quotes and thus achieving
savings within FÁS companies. [8415/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): My Department officials are investigating
a number of requirements that have a direct cost on the operation and delivery of Community
Employment (CE) schemes with a view to reducing these costs. One such area is that
of Insurance, both in terms of the cover required and the most cost effective manner to obtain
such cover. Meetings have been arranged with interested parties and various options are been
considered. It should be noted that this work is taking place in conjunction with the on-going
financial review of CE schemes.
Social Welfare Benefits
360. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review was
scheduled by the medical assessor when an application for domiciliary care allowance was
approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and the date of the
review. [8420/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): The person concerned was awarded
domiciliary care allowance from March 2011. The Medical Assessor who dealt with the application
has recommended that this case does not need to be reviewed again.
Social Welfare Appeals
361. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a farm
assist appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a
statement on the matter. [8423/12]
Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton): I am advised by the Social Welfare
Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the farm assistance appeal, of the person concerned,
took place on 2 February 2012 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the
light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned
will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined. The
Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection
480