Results 4,121-4,140 of 27,613 for speaker:Heather Humphreys
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: We will supply them to the committee.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: A report was already prepared on this matter at the request of Deputy Kerrane. That was laid before the committee on 27 June 2023. I am happy to provide the report again to the Deputy. In line with the provisions of the EU work-life balance directive, nine weeks of parental leave is not transferable between parents. The EU directive clearly states that. We want to encourage an increase...
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: I hear what the Deputy is saying but we pay the benefit once the leave is taken. The policy on leave is with the Department of the Minister for children, Deputy O'Gorman. That is where it is. It is very clear. It is our understanding that the EU work-life balance directive for this came in. We are increasing the period of leave that can be taken to nine weeks next year. I do not see...
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: I will certainly do that. I will raise it.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: Section 9 provides for increases in the graduated rate of jobseeker's benefit. The purpose of the section is to give effect to the increase in the graduated rates of jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's benefit, self-employed, arising from budget 2024 measures. The provision will come into operation on 28 December 2023. It provides for an increase in the weekly rates of jobseeker's benefit...
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: When it comes to pay-related matters, I will come forward with proposals on the minimum rates. I have to work that out. When I am bringing through that legislation I will have proposals on how we deal with this. I do not want anybody to be worse off. That is basically what I want to make sure of.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: This section provides for an extension of child benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education. It will commence in September 2024. I would love to have started it earlier but I cannot. It is in line with the school year. It is an improvement.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: We had to decide a date and 3 September is the start of the new school year. We thought that was an appropriate date to start it. We have to do some work on our systems and prepare for that because every time I change something, as the Deputy will know, programmes have to be written for it. As I say, I would have loved to have brought it in earlier but it will not be until 3 September.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: Yes, they are. Not everything can come on 1 January, as much as I would like that.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: It is an expensive measure. I fought hard to get it.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: Yes.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: That may be but the Deputy knows how it is when you start to count. He has been here. He knows. You have to make decisions at the end of the day.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: Sorry? Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív: It is proportionate to €64 out of €25,000. If you had €25,000, it is like spending €64.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: As I said, it is an improvement. I fought hard to get it and I am glad-----
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: Yes.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: We are promoting this. The €54 per week is a considerable increase in terms of the income threshold. The Deputy is right. I want to see people given the opportunity for work if it pays. Is he looking for some figures?
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: This measure increases the threshold.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: The €54 a week is a fair jump. That is a big increase.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: It has been increasing over the past three years. I do not have the figures of how many are on the scheme now. I am told it is 53,000.
- Select Committee on Social Protection: Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023: Committee Stage (29 Nov 2023)
Heather Humphreys: I am told it has been increasing for the past three years. It has gone up in the last three years.