Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 183: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding carers allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40560/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person concerned was refused carers allowance in August 2011 on the grounds that the care recipient is not so invalided or disabled as to require full time care and attention as laid down in legislation.

The person in question requested a review of the decision and submitted additional medical evidence in support of her claim. A decision on the review will be made shortly and the person in question will be notified accordingly. If it is decided that a revision of the original decision is warranted and that carers allowance is payable, any arrears due from the date of the original application to the date of death of the care recipient will issue to the person in question.

Question No. 184 answered with Question No. 171.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 185: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the current time delay in processing family income supplement renewal applications; the steps she is taking to address this backlog in view of the financial hardship it causes to families; if the renewal date is extended in view of the departmental delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40569/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and decisions made on entitlement as quickly as possible.

The average waiting time for new family income supplement (FIS) claims at the end of November is 17 weeks. The waiting time for renewal FIS claims is currently 8 - 9 weeks. At the end of November there were approximately 8,431 new FIS applications and approximately 5,136 renewal applications awaiting approval.

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:

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

· Priority is given to renewal claims to preserve continuity of payment;

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

· Existing processes and procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis with the objective of reducing delays in claim processing;

· 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.

As individual customer circumstances may change, renewal dates are not normally extended. Where possible, cases of urgent need are prioritised for review and all customers who re-qualify for FIS are paid any arrears due with effect from their renewal date when their claim is re-awarded.

The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 187: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons signing on for credits but not receiving any social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40620/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As of November 25th 2011, there were 30,462 persons on the live register signing for Jobseeker Credits but not receiving a payment from my Department.