Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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164. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will reduce the waiting time for the processing of social protection payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29179/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Processing times for all schemes are kept under constant review. My Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised.

In addition, the staffing needs of my 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.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.