Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

While we all know what is involved in processing a claim, these factors do not explain the difference in processing times. Irrespective of whether average processing times are 19 weeks in one area or two weeks in another area, departmental staff must ask claimants the same questions. Variations in claimants' circumstances do not account for the delays in processing claims.

When we last raised this issue in the House, the five offices with the longest processing times were Boyle, Edenderry, Bandon, Navan and Tuam. What steps have been taken in these specific local offices to address the long waiting times for claimants? The shortest processing time in the five offices was 13 weeks, while the longest was 19 weeks.

Responding to a question by Deputy Shortall, the Minister referred to trying to get in line with targets. What are the Department's targets? Is the shortest processing time of two weeks the target for the whole country? Given that this timeframe is feasible in one office, could a target of two weeks not be achieved in all offices?

The Minister indicated that if community welfare officers were to be brought under her Department, it would be all sweetness and light - that expression has stuck since the Ceann Comhairle used it earlier.

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