John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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234. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the percentage of new forms being received by the illness benefit section since their introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41270/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In August 2018, my Department introduced a new claim form and medical certificate to replace the previous forms used for certification of the Department’s Illness and Injury Benefit schemes. This change is part of a programme of modernisation in the Department. Some GPs have continued to use the old forms after the change over date.

My Department has a contract with GP panellists and has written to each panellist regarding the recent changes. In addition, we are consulting with the IMO under our Framework Agreement on a range of issues including e-certification, closed certification and changes to forms. While these discussions are on-going, it would not be appropriate, at this time, to provide details regarding the usage of new forms. However, I understand that the majority of claims and medical certificates received in my Department are in the new format.

In order to facilitate the continued payment of Illness and Injury Benefits to our customers, the Department has, to date, continued to accept old forms where provided by GPs. It has also made additional resources available to help manually process claims and medical certificates received on these forms.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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235. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons awaiting a decision on their illness benefit application; the average waiting time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41271/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Department experienced some delays following the introduction of a new system for Illness benefit. The change is part of a programme of modernisation in the Department which took effect from Monday 6th August.

Some GPs have continued to use the old forms after this changeover date which the Department has, to date, continued to accept in the interest of paying our customers. While the continued use of the old forms has caused delays to our processing times, my Department is doing everything possible to make sure that customers are paid as quickly as possible.

The new process is working well and we are currently processing all applications and certs received on the new forms the day they are received. There is no backlog of new forms.

For new claims received on old forms, we are working off a 2 day backlog and practically all old certs are now being entered on the day they are received.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.