Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the average length of time to process applications, from submission of application to receipt of payment, for family income supplement in the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; the measures being taken to address this backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15932/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The average time taken to award new Family Income Supplement (FIS) claims in 2009 was 8 weeks, in 2010 was 10 weeks and in 2011 was 17 weeks. The average time taken to award renewal FIS claims in 2009 was 8 weeks, in 2010 it was 10 weeks and in 2011 it was 18 weeks.

The average time taken in January 2012 to award a new FIS claim was 19 weeks and to award a renewal FIS claim was 20 weeks.

The increase in average time taken to award new and renewal FIS claims is mainly due to an increase in the number of applications received over the period. Total claim intake rose from 46,542 in 2009 to 48,110 in 2010 and rose again in 2011 to 51,214 – a total of 10% over the period.

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;

· 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.