Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on current efforts to reduce the social welfare appeals backlog; if she will acknowledge the strain the current backlogs are placing on individuals and families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10738/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There has been significant increase in the number of appeals finalised from 17,787 in 2009 to 32,558 in 2012. Processing times have been reduced by 10.3 weeks overall in 2012 with respect to 2011, with time for an oral hearing time down by 13 weeks and the time for summary decision up by 2.7 weeks. Of course, further improvement is needed to reduce unacceptable delays in the time taken to conclude appeals.

In that regard, -

- The Chief Appeals Officer expects to finalise 6,000 more cases in 2013 than in 2012;

- There is a major programme of process redesign and modernisation currently underway in relation to many scheme areas which will reduce backlogs and will also reduce the time taken for the Department to respond to requests from the SWAO for submissions in relation to appeals;

- It is expected that eight additional Medical Assessors will be appointed in 2013, which will assist in reducing the time taken for appeals where a medical assessment is required.

All these measures together will reduce the waiting time for appellants.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the future intended use of the former Whitehall Garda Station, Dublin, and when the building will be put into use. [10871/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 17th December 2012. The application is with a deciding officer for a decision. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.