Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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41. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the ongoing delay in determining eligibility for some means-tested payments and appeals; if there has been a reduction in resources or a redeployment of staff given the reduced numbers of recipients under the jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit scheme; if he will examine the situation with a view to improving this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18756/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My Department is working hard to improve the processing times for applications and the quality of decisions given. I can assure the Deputy that reducing waiting times on applications is a key priority.

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

In addition, staffing needs are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources. Where additional staffing is deployed to a scheme, such as has happened for carer’s allowance, there is a time-lag involved while those staff are trained and build up expertise.

In general terms, 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 disability and caring schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested payments also require more detailed investigation and interaction with the applicant, thereby lengthening the decision making process.

The improved decision making is reflected in the numbers of appeals received, which are down from a peak of 35,500 in 2012 to 25,000 in 2015. Processing times for appeals have also improved and seen a reduction of over 50% in the time taken to hear oral appeals; down from 52 weeks in 2011 to less than 24 weeks currently. The timeframe for summary decision has also fallen, from 25 weeks in 2011 to 17 weeks currently.

Finally, I want to assure the Deputy that the prompt and accurate processing of applications remains a key priority for me and my Department.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.