Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will reduce the waiting time for determination of applications for carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29184/16]

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.

The average waiting time for new carer's allowance (CA) applications at the end of September was 14 weeks as compared to 22 week at the start of June. At the end of September, those on hand awaiting a decision was reduced from over 6,300 to 4,146.

The volume of CA claims on hands are a consequence of continued strong claim intake and the delays in processing are frequently caused by the customer failing to fully complete the claim form or failing to attach the supporting documentation that is requested on the application form.

As the numbers of new application continue to increase, the position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department with appropriate responses provided.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. If the Deputy has any particular ongoing cases he can contact my Policy & Parliamentary Advisor in my office.