Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

In recent weeks, I took the time to try to visit all the Department's regional offices in which many of these claims are dealt with, including our head office in Dublin. I met all the staff, and they are doing absolutely fantastic work. We have nearly 7,000 members of staff across the Department of Social Protection, many of whom are managing these claims and turning them around as quickly as possible. Where there are information gaps, we try to address them as quickly as possible. We are investing significantly in technology to try to assist that as well. As the Deputy said, we have tried to change the language and make it more inclusive, but if there are places where that is not happening, we will address that. The Department and our staff are very committed to doing that.

As stated, we have appointed 20 extra appeals officers. They come with experience of managing and processing claims. I visited the social welfare appeals office last week to meet these officers and see their work at first hand. They are all very focused and are working hard to reduce any backlogs.

The domiciliary care allowance is a good example of where a focused effort has reduced the backlog by almost half in just over a month.

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