Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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101. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the waiting times for the processing of maternity benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3635/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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My 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.

In general, maternity claims are processed within 6 weeks of receipt at present.

I would encourage maternity benefit customers to submit their applications as early as possible and use the on-line application process, if possible, as this facilitates speedy claim processing.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.