Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the 15 week waiting list for the processing of family income supplement applications by her and the steps being taken by her to reduce this waiting period. [26371/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. The average waiting time for new family income supplement (FIS) claims at the end of August is 18 weeks. The waiting time for renewal FIS claims is currently between 4-5 weeks. The volume of FIS claims on hands and the delays in processing are a consequence of continued strong claim intake.

The Department has introduced a number of measures to address the efficiency of claim processing for FIS in light of the current waiting times:

· Existing processes and procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis

with the explicit objective of reducing delays in claim processing;

· Priority is being given to renewal claims to preserve continuity of

payment;

· The ongoing staffing requirement is being kept under review in light of the

continued strong claim intake;

· Additional temporary staff have been recruited to help reduce the backlog;

· Overtime working is being applied where feasible;

These measures are aimed at reducing the number of claims on hand and the average waiting time for a decision. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.