Statistics released to Deputy Joan Burton by the Department of Social & Family Affairs show that in less than 2 years, the number of people in Dublin 15 on Jobseekers’ Benefit has increased 158% (from 1305 at end 2007 to 3362 now), the number on Jobseekers’ Allowance has increased 142% (from 1895 at end 2007 to 4583 now), the number on rent supplement has increased 51% (from 2594 at end 2007 to 3922 now) and the number in receipt of mortgage interest supplement has increased 215% (from 176 at end 2007 to 555 now).
Reacting to these figures, Deputy Joan Burton said:
“What we are seeing in Dublin 15 is not just lengthening dole queues, but people depending on welfare payments just to keep a roof over their heads.
“The most striking aspect of these statistics is the huge increase in the numbers depending on mortgage interest supplement. People who have lost their jobs are struggling to keep up mortgage payments and are turning to their local welfare office for help.
“For an increasing number of families, the mortgage interest supplement is the difference between making ends meet and defaulting on their mortgage.
“The Government has predicted 75,000 job losses in 2010, which could see more than half a million people on the dole for the first time. According to the ESRI, up to 200,000 homeowners could be in negative equity by the end of next year – that’s 1 in 3 mortgages.
“The Labour Party has been calling for a moratorium on home repossessions and job creation to be prioritised.
“The banks who lent money so recklessly are being bailed out by the Fianna Fáil. These same banks are coming down on financially distressed homeowners like a tonne of bricks.
“Next week’s budget must be a fair budget. No sector of society should be singled out for unfair treatment. People who have lost their jobs should not have their benefits cut further. Above all, people need to be given hope that the economy can turn a corner and that there are pathways back to employment.
“People are angry that Fianna Fail have wrecked the economy. Everyone is willing to play their part in getting the country back on track, but only if everyone shoulders a burden proportionate to their means.”
Parliamentary Reply, received 27th November, 2009
Social Welfare Regional Office Oifig Réigiúnach Leasa Shóisialaigh
Department of Social Roinn Gnóthaí Sóisialacha
& Family Affairs agus Teaghlaigh
Mellowes Road Bóthair Uí Mhaoilífa
Finglas, Fionnghlas,
Dublin 11. Baile Átha Cliath 11.
Dublin North
TEL: (01)8581119/8581118 FAX: (01)8581141
PQ Ref: 44345/09
DN 373/09
Ms. Joan Burton T.D.
Dáil Éireann
Dublin 2 27 November 2009
Dear Deputy,
I refer to your further Parliamentary Question in relation to the number of recipients of jobseeker’s benefit, jobseeker’s allowance, mortgage interest supplement, rent supplement at present, at end June 2007 and at the end of each of the past five years in Dublin 15; the waiting times for new applicants for each of these benefits.
Please see below a table outlining the number of recipients of Jobseeker’s Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Rent Supplement and Mortgage Interest Supplement.
Dates Jobseeker’s Benefit Jobseeker’s Allowance Rent Supplement Mortgage Interest Supplement
End Dec 04 1,265 1,588 2,570 135
End Dec 05 1,260 1,997 2,843 153
End Dec 06 1,099 1,940 2,762 148
30 June 07 1,332 2,084 2,639 163
End Dec 07 1,305 1,895 2,594 176
End Dec 08 3,019 2,857 2,940 346
30 Oct 09 3,362 4,583
20 Nov 09 3,922 555
Waiting Times for new applicants for Jobseeker’s Allowance/Benefit
At the end of Oct. 2009, the average Jobseeker’s Benefit claim in Blanchardstown Local Office took 2.35 weeks to decide the claim, and for Jobseeker’s Allowance, it took 9.61 weeks to decide the claim on average. In relation to the longer waiting time for Jobseeker’s Allowance claims, applicants must satisfy a means test i.e. their means must be under a certain level and they must also satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition.
Rent Supplement and Mortgage Interest Supplement Information
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent and mortgage interest supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The Department has no any function in relation to decisions on individual claims. Information in relation to the number of recipients of rent and mortgage interest supplement in Dublin 15 is shown in the table.
The timescale for determining applications for rent and mortgage interest supplement is dependant, among other things, on the availability of the required information, such as details of the applicant’s income, bank statements, information from landlords, information from lending institutions etc. In addition, some aspects of the applications are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where investigations such as home visits or third party evidence are required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information.
The Health Service Executive does not maintain records that would readily provide the information on waiting time for application for rent and mortgage interest supplement requested by the Deputy. The provision of a prompt service is a major objective of the Executive. However, this has to be achieved in a manner that is consistent with the demands of natural justice and the need to ensure that every case is fully investigated. While certain cases may take more time to process than others, overall, the Executive makes every effort to decide rent and mortgage interest supplement claims in an efficient, effective and timely manner.
Yours sincerely
XXX XXXX
Department of Social and Family Affairs.