Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We all recall that during the pandemic, and the Deputy mentioned this about Limerick, the staff in the Department of Social Protection went above and beyond to ensure people got the support that they needed in a timely fashion. I have every confidence that will be the case here as well. The Minister has confirmed that she will allocate additional staff to deal with the processing of payments.

The Deputy mentioned delays. A lot is being done. We have to remember that this is taxpayers' money. Where all of the necessary information and documentation is provided, payments are usually processed within a matter of days. Where there are delays, it is normally where additional information is required but, as I said, the Minister is allocating additional staff to assist with that. The Department is also currently examining the introduction of an online application option. The Minister has been approached by a number of Deputies about that. That is worth looking at and the Department is actively looking at it. At the moment, a person can apply by phone, or by visiting an Intreo office or a CWO clinic. More than €38 million has been paid out under the scheme. As I said earlier, that is a 60% increase on the awards last year. The Minister and her Department want people to be able to access these payments. That is what they are there for and that is why there has been such a comprehensive communications campaign to promote and raise awareness of this payment. I appreciate the Deputy's contribution and I will pass his comments on to the Minister.

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