Vol. 401 No. 1
34 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the long delays which are at present being experienced by social welfare applicants, he will appoint extra personnel to alleviate this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Staffing levels in the various sections of the Department are reviewed on a regular basis and are adjusted, as necessary, to take account of changes in workload that may arise from time to time. In addition, the Department makes extensive use of information technology to assist with the processing of claims to and the payment of all social welfare payments.
In general, I am satisfied that applications are decided and put into payment within a reasonable timescale. In some individual cases delays can occur but every effort is made to keep such delay to the minimum.
