Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

130. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the waiting time for applications to be processed under the carer's allowance scheme, and the strategies he has implemented to alleviate the exorbitant waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21905/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, there are currently delays occurring in the processing of carer’s allowance (CA) applications. The average waiting time for new carer's allowance (CA) applications at the end of June was 20 weeks. At the end of June, there were 6,375 CA applications awaiting decision. The volume of CA claims on hands are a consequence of continued strong claim intake. The delays in processing are frequently exacerbated by the customer failing to fully complete the claim form or failing to attach the supporting documentation that is requested on the application form.

An in-depth Business Process Improvement (BPI) review has recently been completed for the CA scheme. This project focused on optimising output, improving customer service and the elimination of backlogs.

The outcome of this review is a detailed plan outlining the process required to manage both the continuous weekly intake and reduce the average waiting time. The Department has introduced a number of measures to address the efficiency of claim processing for CA in light of the current waiting times, including the assignment of temporary and full-time staff and the facility to assign overtime working where appropriate.

It is expected that these measures will, over the next few months, lead to a significant reduction in the average waiting time. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.