Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 134: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average processing times for applications for jobseeker's allowances and benefits by social welfare office; the efforts being made to improve same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12537/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is committed to providing a quality customer service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply. These conditions vary between the two jobseeker schemes and involve, among other things, the need to establish the customer's social insurance record, establish the customer's identity or their place of habitual residence and to assess means where appropriate. In some cases delays arise where customers fail to supply all pertinent information in support of their application.

The processes and procedures surrounding the authorisation of claims are kept under review and where efficiencies are identified they are implemented across the network of local offices. There is also a continued emphasis on providing staff with the necessary training and development to ensure they have the requisite knowledge and skills to carry out their work.

The overall performance in any individual office in processing claims can be adversely affected by a wide variety of factors; including staff vacancies and the duration of such vacancies, the turnover of staff in the office, the levels of absenteeism, maternity leave, parental level and increased inflow of claims.

Details of the average processing times for applications for jobseekers benefit and jobseekers allowance at local and branch offices in respect of the full year 2007 and separately, the month of January 2008, are set out in the tabular statement.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 135: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to the widows non-contributory pension; and when they will be approved and awarded this pension. [12554/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A Widow/er's Non Contributory Pension is a means tested payment payable to a widow or widower whose income falls below a certain limit and who does not satisfy the contribution conditions for Widow/er's Contributory Payment.

This customer applied for Widows Non Contributory Pension on the 15th of December 2007. Following an assessment of her means by a Social Welfare Inspector she has been awarded a reduced rate Widows Non Contributory Pension of E20.30 per week from the 4th January 2008. Arrears of pension will issue to her shortly. If the customer is dissatisfied with the decision she has the right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.