Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the total number of applications for rent support currently on hand; the number of such applications refused on a monthly basis over the past two years; the numbers granted in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28348/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received in her Department or through the Health Service Executive for mortgage interest support in each of the past two years and to date in 2012; the number granted refused or pending; the average length of time taken to determine such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28357/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 380 together.

Statistics are not available on the number of rent or mortgage interest supplement applications received for the past 2 years and to date in 2012 or the outcome of those applications. However, below is a tabular statement showing the number of rent and mortgage interest supplement claims awarded during these periods. The timescale for determining applications is dependent, among other things, on the availability of the required information, such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements etc. In addition, some aspects of the application are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where investigations such as home visits or third party evidence are required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information.

The provision of a prompt service is a major objective for the Department's staff dealing with applications. However, this is tempered by the necessity to ensure that every case is fully investigated and that all cases are dealt with in a consistent and fair manner. While statistics are not available on the average length of time taken to assess mortgage interest supplement, I am satisfied that the Department's staff dealing with these applications make every effort to ensure claims are processed in an efficient manner.

TABULAR STATEMENT

Details of claims awarded in 2010 to 2012:

(1) To 1st June 2012