Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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43. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the current processing time for a Carer's Allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15873/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The average time taken to award a new claim for carer’s allowance is currently 12 weeks. Where a request is made for a review of a decision on a new claim or where there is an appeal against a decision, this will take longer.

One way that claimants can assist the Department to make a full and timely decision on their claim is to ensure that the claim form is fully completed and signed and that all necessary accompanying documentation is enclosed.

The Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible. Each scheme area is continuously monitored and reviewed to ensure customers are responded to as quickly as possible. The staffing needs of the Department are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources. Additional resources have been applied to help to deal with the significant increase in the number of carer’s allowance applications being received and to minimise processing times.