Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. The issue I am raising is the delay in the processing of applications for carer's allowance and carer's benefit. I have been contacted by a number of constituents who have made applications, and all they want to know is the status of their applications. This is highly reminiscent, unfortunately, of the difficulties that were encountered in the processing of medical card applications. The two situations have another thing in common. The reason these constituents applied for carer's allowance or benefit in the first place was that there was a change in their circumstances and they needed the money. Applications tend to be made at times of particular vulnerability or stress, and that is only added to by the way in which these applications are currently being handled. I know the Minister of State and her Department are seeking to make progress in this regard but an answer I received in early March to a parliamentary question acknowledged that 53,000 people were in receipt of carers' payments, an increase of 60% over the previous five years. At present, 7,800 people are registered and awaiting decision. In her answer, the Minister of State acknowledged this was unsatisfactory and stated steps had been taken in this regard. I am aware of the details in regard to the large overhaul taking place in the IT systems that administer this area. The Government and the Department of Social Protection are seeking to give this project very high priority so that they can respond promptly to a backlog they acknowledge is unacceptable.

In the few moments I have, I re-emphasise the upset this is causing people and I ask the Minister of State to do all she can to ensure the new processes are put in place in order that we can deal quickly with and answer the people who are making applications. I acknowledge the answer to the parliamentary question I submitted stated that particular resources were to be put in place until June 2012 that would ensure the best possible system. I ask that this process be accelerated. As was the case with the delay in regard to medical cards, undue worry is being caused to people. I am sure that with proper focus this can be handled in a far better way.

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