Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide an update on the current number of applications for carers' allowance awaiting processing; the measures being taken to reduce the backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17378/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. In the interests of fairness applications are processed, as far as possible, in order of the date on which they were received.

There were c 53,000 people in receipt of carer's payments as at the end of February 2012 this represents an increase of c 60% over the past five years. In addition there are, at present, c 7,800 applications registered and awaiting a decision. I acknowledge that this is unsatisfactory but I am satisfied that the department is taking all steps available to it to resolve the issue.

A major service delivery modernisation project is underway to address the large increase in the claim-load and to improve the efficiency of administration of the carer's allowance scheme. This involves the development of information technology functions and associated business process re-organisation. It is anticipated that the new system will introduce significant processing efficiencies and a quicker and more responsive service to the customer. Accordingly, the project is being given high priority and involves a significant level of time and commitment from the relevant staff in the Department. This has had a short-term negative impact on claim processing times. This essential focus of certain staff resources will continue until the completion of the modernisation project in June of this year when all existing carer's allowance claims will be transferred onto the new processing system.

In addition to the deployment of new systems which should address service levels in the medium term the Department is allocating additional resources in the form of overtime working to help reduce backlogs that have built up.

In the meantime, if a person's means are insufficient to meet their needs while awaiting a decision on an application, they may apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance payment from their local community welfare officer.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for back to school allowance and also for funding through the drug repayment scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry. [17398/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme operates from the beginning of June until the end of September each year. The spouse of the person concerned was awarded this allowance for two children and a payment of €505 was made into her bank account in September, 2011.

My Department has no responsibility in the area of the drug repayment scheme. The person concerned should pursue this matter through the Health Service Executive.