Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 331: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the steps she has taken to improve the length of time it takes to process supplementary welfare allowance applications; if she is satisfied with the current turn around time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35098/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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More than 95% of basic supplementary welfare allowance applications are decided on and paid within a week. 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.

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.

My Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers through continuous business process improvement supported by modern technology. I am satisfied that Departmental staff administering the supplementary welfare allowance makes every effort to ensure claims are processed in an efficient manner.