Results 21,741-21,760 of 28,255 for speaker:Éamon Ó Cuív
- Social Welfare Benefits (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: Since 22 October, 21,500 participants were approved for the back to education scheme. This compares with 20,808 in 2009-10, which was a 79% increase on the previous year. The scheme has been broadened and increased dramatically. We must be careful in drawing up terms for this scheme not to create dead weight. It is clear we should focus much of the effort on second level qualifications...
- Social Welfare Benefits (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: If the Deputy passes me on the details of this case, I will have it investigated.
- Social Welfare Benefits (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: It comes down to using the limited resources available. A large number of people who lose a job regain other employment in the first six months. This figure then tails off-----
- Social Welfare Benefits (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: It still is the case. After the first six months, the figure tends to tail off. A person getting access to a third level course through the back to education scheme will be paid the equivalent of the jobseeker's allowance, a minimum of â¬10,000 a year, for the foreseeable future. That is an expensive commitment to make, so the best use of resources and money must be ensured. Until...
- Social Welfare Benefits (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: I cannot comment on the individual case in question. No matter where one draws the line when it comes to the cut-off criteria for allowances, there will be always someone on the wrong side of it. I accept it is difficult for the individuals affected but it is inherent in the whole social welfare system. Regarding the wider question of whether it should be easier to get on to the scheme, it...
- Social Welfare Benefits (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: No, that is a fundamental mistake made when assessing this scheme. For example, making a commitment to 100 people to do a five-year degree course would amount to â¬50,000 per person for the course's duration, â¬5 million in total. This must be compared to their chances-----
- Social Welfare Benefits (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: -----which are very high, of getting jobs in the intervening period. As there is a finite amount of moneys available, it is important such a long-term burden is not placed on the State, particularly when it could mean others would be deprived of other welfare payments.
- Social Welfare Appeals (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the social welfare appeals office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the number received in 2007. I am advised by the social welfare appeals office that as of 26 October 2010 20,936 cases are being processed through various stages of the appeals system, 10, 227 of which are receiving attention in...
- Social Welfare Appeals (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: The following steps have been taken. Three additional officers were assigned to the office since January 2009. Additional staff have been assigned to the administrative area of the office. More emphasis is now being placed on dealing with appeals on a summary basis to increase productivity. A project to improve the business process in the office was undertaken which resulted in a number...
- Social Welfare Appeals (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: I agree fully with the Deputy that we must process more appeals faster. We are doing that, and there has been a dramatic improvement this year. However, what has also happened is that the number of appeals has increased at the same time. While 43% of appeals had a successful outcome for the appellant, of the 8,697 favourable decisions in appeals cases, almost two thirds of those decisions...
- Marriages of Convenience (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: Marriages of convenience, or "sham marriages", are marriages which are entered into for the purpose of one of the parties gaining an automatic right of residency based on marriage to a person who already has a right of residency. These marriages exploit Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council which deals with the right of citizens of the Union and their family...
- Marriages of Convenience (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: To deal with the first question the Deputy asked on the figures, it is not possible to state the number of marriages of convenience that have been solemnised in the State but it is recognised that this is a significant issue. What we do know is the number of marriages between EU and EEA nationals and non-nationals since 2008. In 2008 there were 2,292. In 2009 there were-----
- Marriages of Convenience (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: The Deputy was interested in the figures.
- Marriages of Convenience (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: The answer will elucidate what we are doing. In 2009-----
- Marriages of Convenience (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: In 2009 the figure is 3,362 and in 2010 to date-----
- Marriages of Convenience (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: -----it is 770. It would be inaccurate and unfair to characterise all such marriages as sham marriages but it is noteworthy that the number of such marriages has been falling dramatically this year. That is because of increased vigilance and scrutiny surrounding marriages of convenience in this country and abroad.
- Marriages of Convenience (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: As to whether it is a criminal offence, the position is that there is no such legal offence as a sham marriage but if a marriage is not valid it is not valid. My understanding of this issue, although I am not a criminal lawyer, is that the position regarding these marriages is the same as that concerning any other marriage wrongfully entered into.
- Marriages of Convenience (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: I understand legal advice was given on the application of the rules. We are examining the possibility of changing the law as well as best practice in other jurisdictions and, if necessary, legislation will be brought in to deal with this issue.
- Marriages of Convenience (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: The Deputy is right in that Latvia has been very much to the fore in protecting its female citizens in this regard. I understand other foreign embassies have stated their concerns by contacting the General Register Office. The feedback from these embassies suggests that the requirement in the new guidelines to obtain official authentication of foreign birth certificates is of assistance to...
- Marriages of Convenience (2 Nov 2010)
Éamon Ó Cuív: Sorry?