Results 2,061-2,080 of 21,588 for speaker:Denis Naughten

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: I thank the Minister.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: Before Deputy Donnelly comes back in, I will put on record that the Minister has been prepared to listen, actively engage and respond to issues that members of this committee, in particular, have raised with her. Deputy Ó Cuív, one of the Minister's predecessors, used the same strategy when he was in her seat. That does not happen too often and it is very positive.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: The feedback I have been getting on the school meals programme is that the funding available is inadequate to meet the cost of producing the food because we have seen costs increase. As a result, a number of providers have pulled out of it because it does not make financial sense for them. That could be part of the reason for the drop-off in the school meals programme, which we all agree is...

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: I think the Minister has committed to looking at this in the context of the cost of disability, so we look forward to a report back on that.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: Yes.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: It might entertain us if Deputy Ó Cuív were to play music.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: The Minister of State might come back on that issue.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: The Deputy should let the Minister of State respond.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: I have a few questions. The first relates to the Vote itself and administration. The cost of administration has increased by €21 million, which is a 4% increase. I presume the Minister will say the reason for that is the additional administration that has been involved this year and the additional demands. I understand that. Can you explain the justification for a 7% increase in...

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: I accept that there is a retrofitting skills deficit that has to be met, but I am referring to low-skilled work, for example, rolling out insulation in an attic and putting a lagging jacket on a copper cylinder. These are basic measures, but they could have a dramatic impact on energy consumption in homes this winter. We have the staff. Those participants are willing to do this work and...

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: Just to clarify, the bulk of the €16.8 million additional cost on the social insurance fund is made up by medical certificates for Covid-19.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: It is a lot of money.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: No, it is not.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: Under the SIF, there is a €16 million increase on administration under the SIF. It is on page 5 of the supplementary documentation the Minister provided. It is the first subhead under "Social Insurance Fund" and refers to a 7% increase. While I accept the 4% increase in administration costs across the Department and the additional demands, I cannot understand the 7% increase in the...

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: Yes.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: I accept that at Oireachtas level across the board we all know what we want to do but it is important that delivery is reflected on the ground.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: The feedback we are getting is mixed in relation to it and this is something the committee is monitoring quite closely.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: Thank you.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Estimates for Public Services 2022
Vote 37 - Social Protection (Supplementary) (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: That is it. Thank you, Minister.

Select Committee on Social Protection: Message to Dáil (23 Nov 2022)

Denis Naughten: In accordance with Standing Order 101, the following message will be sent to the Dáil: The Select Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development and the Islands has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimate for public services for the year ending 31 December 2022: Vote 37— Department of Social Protection.