Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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412. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the measures he is taking to reduce the waiting time of 19 weeks before applications for carer's allowance are examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22125/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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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.

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 and 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.

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.

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.