Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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948. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties persons are having making contact with the illness benefit section of her Department; her plans to improve the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12201/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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My Department’s Illness Benefit Section receives approximately five thousand claims per week and has over 50,000 claims in payment at any time. There are a number of ways for customers to contact the Illness Benefit Section. There is a phone service available Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm. Enquiries can be made via the traditional postal service or by email to . Customers can also email using the online enquiry form on . Enquiries can be made at local Intreo Centres.

Some delays have occurred in processing illness benefit claims due to an increase in claims resulting from the recent flu outbreak and the adverse weather conditions. My Department is working hard to reduce any backlogs to ensure speedy payment of benefits and a new computer system is being introduced from June which will increase the speed and efficiency of the process. Any delay in payment is regretted and anyone who is in financial difficulties should contact the Community Welfare Officer at their local Intreo Centre.