Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
651. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Social Protection the average processing time for applications for each payment under his Department's remit; if there are any plans to reduce these processing times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51722/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below gives the average weeks to award for all main schemes as of July 2025.
My Department understands the many pressures faced by customers and always seeks to ensure that claims are handled quickly and efficiently.
The Deputy will appreciate how processing times can vary across schemes, depending on the differing qualification criteria. Schemes that require a high level of documentary evidence from the customer, particularly in the case of illness-related schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested payments can also require more detailed investigations and interaction with the customer, thereby lengthening the decision-making process.
My Department has introduced a wide range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology in recent years. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised.
In addition, the staffing needs of my Department are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources.
I am pleased to report that claim processing is up to date, with processing targets met, or exceeded, on average, for all the main scheme areas.
|
Scheme |
Average weeks to Award |
|
State Pension (Contributory) - Irish |
5 |
|
Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension |
2 |
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
9 |
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
2 |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
2 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
2 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance Basi |
1 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
6 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
6 |
|
Parent's Benefit |
1 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
6 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
6 |
|
Disability Allowance |
6 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
5 |
|
Illness Benefit |
0 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
0 |
|
Child Benefit (Dom & FRA) |
1 |
|
Working Family Payment |
9 |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
8 |
|
Household Benefits |
1 |
|
Free Travel |
Not Available |
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
