Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Where an application is complete and the required documentation is supplied, it is processed quickly. As I have said previously, where there are delays sometimes it is due to additional information or documentation being requested from the person to support their application. My Department has taken a number of steps to simplify and streamline the process for persons who apply for additional needs payments. There is a new national helpline phone number so people can ring up and get advice. A full-time CWO is also present in more than 50 Intreo offices nationwide, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The CWOs remain available to attend clinics. They can talk to people over the phone where needed, and they can arrange to visit a person's house by appointment. We are genuinely doing everything we can to facilitate and help people. There are many payments. If they are urgent, they are paid out on the same day. I have confirmation that this has happened in instances where it is essential for items such as food, or for things that are so urgent that people do get it on the same day. In fairness to the CWOs, they are doing the best to make sure it is delivered on time.

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