Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1053. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty faced by persons attempting to access appointments with registration offices; if her attention has been further drawn the long waiting times for appointments; if her attention has been further drawn to the financial impact of same on many persons; and the steps she will take to ensure registrations are carried out and processed in a timely manner. [2250/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that the HSE is responsible for the delivery of Civil Registration Services which includes birth registration and managing appointments for parents to attend at a civil registration office.

I am aware of the current difficulties members of the public are encountering in obtaining an appointment, particularly those parents based in the East of the country who wish to register births.  The HSE have advised my Department that services have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions and by the impact of the cyber-attack on HSE systems, particularly on the number of appointments available daily.

Following completion of a birth registration, my Department will automatically allocate a PPSN and issue an application for Child Benefit Payment or adjust the level of payment where Child Benefit is already being paid to the family.  Any arrears of Child Benefit arising from delays in the birth registration are automatically calculated and paid.  The Department also provides financial supports through its Community Welfare Services should parents need assistance while awaiting an appointment with the HSE.

My Department will continue to engage and work senior management in the HSE to enable full restoration of timely services.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.