David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in relation to claims which are referred to local inspectors for investigation, he has set targets in relation to the length of time within which a file must be referred to the local inspector; if he has set same for the time within which a home visit must be completed by a local inspector once a file has been received; if he has set same regarding the length of time within which a local inspector must submit their findings to the original office from which the file was referred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33511/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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In determining entitlement under any of my Department's schemes, the eligibility conditions may include PRSI contribution, means or medical conditions or household circumstances. The time taken to process individual claims varies significantly having regard to the nature of the scheme and the circumstances in each case.

Straightforward means tested cases are "fast tracked" by deciding officers in scheme sections or local offices. More complex cases are forwarded to inspectors who establish the details of the case by interviewing the customer in a local office or, if it is considered necessary, by undertaking a home visit.

Factors outside my Department's control can impinge on the time taken to make a decision in any case. These factors include delays by claimants in supplying necessary documentation or by other agencies, including agencies abroad in supplying key information. Overall targets are set for claim processing and the time taken by inspectors in clearing cases is included in these targets. Claim processing performance is monitored on an on-going basis and staff are deployed as necessary to meet the requirements of fluctuating volumes of work. However the overriding consideration is to ensure that customers receive their correct entitlement and that all the necessary information is to hand when a decision on the case is being made.

I would like to assure the Deputy that I am very conscious of the need to continue to improve the levels of service and to preserve and build on the good reputation which the Department has for service to its customers.