asked the Minister for Social Welfare why his Department takes 16 months to decide applications under section 42 of the Social Welfare Act, 1952.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Applications.
71.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to questions relating to the insurability of employment which under the provisions of section 42 of the Social Welfare Act, 1952, are decided by statutory deciding officers. As a general rule, before it is possible to determine a question of this type statements from the parties concerned must be obtained and, very often in addition, other inquiries made. Hence there is inevitably a time-lag between raising such questions and deciding them. Nevertheless, they are in the normal course decided with reasonable promptitude. The case which I am assuming the Deputy has in mind is not typical.