Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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647. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the average waiting time for the issuing of payment to applicants who have had invalidity pension appeals upheld; the number of upheld appeals awaiting processing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35329/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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At week ending 5th July 2013 there were approximately 600 invalidity pension claims awaiting award on foot of a successful appeal. This is due to the high number of claims processed in the past 12 months and the resulting increase in the number of appeals. In the last 4 weeks alone approximately 550 successful appeal cases were received in invalidity pension section. These cases will be processed and paid.

Invalidity pension section has been involved in a business process improvement review and backlog elimination programme. This programme has led to a significant reduction in the number of invalidity pension claims awaiting decision, down from 7007 claims at end May 2012 to 1973 claims at the end of June 2013. In addition, new claims are now processed on receipt with a decision being made based on information provided or, if this is not possible, further medical evidence or additional information is requested and a decision is made on receipt.