Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the secretariat for its excellent analysis of the figures and the issues which arise. The Minister will have noticed, from the figures available to her within the Department, that the risk of poverty among this segment of the population has grown since 2010. The basic rates of social welfare have remained untouched. Nevertheless, if one takes into account the fact that provision for social welfare is decreasing and that inflation, although not the problem it once was, is still a factor, it is likely that the figures will get worse during the course of the year. Does the Minister have any idea of what the relevant figures will be at the end of 2012 and 2013? Are there comparative statistics from other OECD or EU countries for the percentage of people in that age cohort at risk of poverty?

I refer to output targets. The Department sets its own targets and marks itself on whether it achieves them. I am not sure what the targets are. There is a reference to processing times of pension applications. Can somebody tell me what they are? Were they changed recently? Are they subject to regular review? Are they published anywhere? What is the current position on the Department achieving its targets?

In regard to control measures, the 2013 target indicates that the average saving per review is €4,750. In 2012 the amount achieved per review was €3,500. This will result in a very considerable shortfall. I understand there is a shortfall of €40 million against this target. Are we assuming that in 2013 we will reach the €4,750 target and at the same time have fewer reviews? Perhaps the Minister might clarify the position.