Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of respite grant applications refused in 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the most common reason for this refusal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24982/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for respite grants in each of the past five years to date in 2008 on a monthly basis; the numbers granted or refused in the same periods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24985/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 187 together.

The Respite Care Grant (RCG) is an annual payment made to all persons providing full-time care, regardless of means or PRSI contribution record, but subject to certain conditions. The extension of the scheme to all carers was introduced in Budget 2005. The Grant is payable from the first Thursday in June of the year in question. Details of applications received, claims allowed and claims refused by month, for the years 2005 to 2008, are detailed in tabular form below. Details for 2008 are for the period up to mid-June.

The most common reason for refusal (circa 40%) is that the person being cared for does not require full-time care and attention as laid down in the Respite Care Grant legislation. Such refusals are based on the advice of the Department's Chief Medical Advisor, whose advice is in turn based on information supplied on the application form by the General Practitioner of the person being cared for.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average time taken to process an application the subject of which comes under social welfare bilateral agreements and relating to contributions in two jurisdictions; if her attention has been drawn to the particularly long delays associated with some countries with which Ireland has such arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24983/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Department currently has bilateral social security agreements with 7 countries, and also social security arrangements under EU Regulations with the other 26 EU countries, 3 EEA countries, and Switzerland. These arrangements are generally working satisfactorily. The time taken to process claims that fall to be examined under bilateral agreements can be longer than that for standard Irish entitlements, reflecting the added complexity that arises in determining entitlements under these agreements and the necessity to obtain the relevant foreign insurance details.

Liaison procedures to ensure the secure transfer of personal data have been established with each country and are kept under review. Regular contact is made with the appropriate agencies to ensure the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of transfer of the information required to decide on claims. Delays, in general, occur where people have had a varied employment history over a long period and this can lead to some difficulties in completing their full insurance record. Where particular delays occur in the exchange of information, every effort is made to minimise delays, having regard to ensuring people receive their full and correct entitlements.

Pension applications from people who have worked in the UK represent the largest category of claims under bilateral agreements. The Department has established a very good working relationship with the U.K. Department of Work and Pensions, with regular direct communication on operational matters. Delays in processing applications do not result in any losses to pensioners in that those who qualify for payment, receive payment from the due entitlement date.