Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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418. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide in tabular form for the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013, the number of applications made to her Department for invalidity pension and disability allowance; the number of these applications that have been approved and the number of such applications that are pending a decision; her views on the reported delays in decisions being made on such applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25845/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In regard to invalidity pension (IP), there is no backlog of invalidity claims at present. As at the end of April 2013 there were 2,788 IP claims registered, actioned and awaiting information to finalise a decision. These mostly relate to reviews and appeals. In addition, approximately 660 cases are being investigated under EU regulations or bilateral agreements. These cases are more complex and take longer to decide.

Approximately 220 new invalidity pension claims are received in the Department each week. These are examined on receipt and a decision is completed where all information is available. If a medical assessment and/or further information are required, it is requested without delay. Once all the necessary information is received, the claim is processed. New claims received in the last 6 months are on average process within 10 weeks and almost 60% of our current claims are awaiting a decision for 2 months or less.

Invalidity Pension

Notes:

A breakdown of invalidity claims awarded and disallowed is not available from December 2010-June 2011. A dual payments system was in operation from December 2010 until all claims were migrated onto a new computer platform in May 2011.

#Breakdown for period June 2011- December 2011 inclusive

2013 figures as at 30 April 2012

In regard to disability allowance (DA), following the completion of a major service delivery modernisation programme a plan is now in operation to reduce the backlog, including the assignment of additional staff and it is anticipated that the full backlog will be actioned by the end of the second quarter of this year. It should be noted that the processing time for individual disability allowance claims can vary depending on the complexity of the claimant's circumstances and the information they provide. In addition, a request for a review or an appeal by a person adds to length of time taken to deal with the claim.

Disability Allowance

* 5,800 of these are new applications. Of the 5,800 new applications, 600 have been actioned and are awaiting further information before a decision can be made.