Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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131. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the procedures for examination of all applications for Social Protection payments can be standardised and streamlined to eliminate any possible delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18886/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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One of the main priorities for the Department is to build on achievements already made to integrate services into a new service delivery model and streamline the applications process for all schemes.

Staff in my Department administer over 70 different schemes and services. The Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible. Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing qualification criteria. Schemes that require a high level of documentary evidence from the customer, particularly in the case of illness-related schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested payments can also require more detailed investigation and interaction with the applicant, thereby lengthening the decision making process.

It is the policy of the Department to standardise and simplify its application forms as much as possible. The design of the medical elements of application forms is undertaken in consultation with the Department’s Chief Medical Adviser and Deputy Chief Medical Adviser.

As part of the Department’s service delivery modernisation programme, a range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology, have been implemented in recent years. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised.

The new Intreo service integrates employment services and the traditional income support model, providing for a streamlined and personalised service to Jobseekers. Intreo centres have also introduced an integrated decision-making team to further streamline the processes formerly undertaken by former Local Office staff, Social Welfare Inspectors and the Community Welfare Service.

I wish to assure the Deputy that prompt processing of claims remains a priority for my Department. Each scheme area is monitored on an on-going basis and processing procedures are reviewed to ensure that claims are paid to customers as quickly as possible.