Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

468. To ask the Minister for Social Protection noting that the Balbriggan Social Welfare office has recently increased its processing office of staffing levels by one, but has a considerable backlog of carer's allowance applications to deal with, the emergency provision that will be made for extra staff resources to clear the backlog, in view of the hardship on applicants while waiting. [23252/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Carer’s Allowance Scheme is administered from the Department’s offices in Longford. Claims are referred by Carer’s Allowance Section to local Social Welfare Inspectors to carry out means assessments and reviews.

The Balbriggan Inspectorate does not currently have a significant backlog of Carer’s Allowance applications for assessment or review. There are currently 8 applications on hands for means assessment, all of which are currently being processed.

Process improvements have been introduced resulting in improved processing times and further process improvements are in train.