Written answers

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

Department of Social Protection

Paternity Benefit Applications

Photo of Niamh SmythNiamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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2094. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the waiting times for processing of paternity benefit; the number of applications awaiting payment; the number of persons waiting by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28691/17]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The processing of paternity benefit claims by my Department is generally kept up to date, with claims processed as the fathers commence their paternity leave. However, many fathers submit their claims after they have taken the paternity leave and so can only receive their payment after the leave ends.

Claims are processed by reference to the ‘commencement of paternity leave date’ as this ensures that as many claims as possible are awarded by the time the paternity leave begins. There are currently just over 1,700 paternity benefit claims and, where all necessary information has been supplied, these claims should be processed in advance of the customer’s leave commencing date. It is not possible to provide a county by county breakdown of the claims pending.

I want to take the opportunity to highlight that the Department also facilitates online applications for paternity benefit and an automated decision is made where the customer submits all necessary information and where the detail provided can be validated. I would ask the Deputy to encourage anyone planning paternity leave to use this channel, if possible, as it provides the most effective method of applying for benefit.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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