Vol. 710 No. 1
37 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans in regard to amending the qualifying criteria for reducing the rate applicable to the State contributory pension; and the way he plans to make savings. [21597/10]
84 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will confirm that he does not intend to dismantle the social welfare contributory pension structure either by way of means testing or in any other fashion which might reduce the entitlement of a person to pension based on their contributions and their expectations at the time of contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21707/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 84 together.
The current Government policy in regard to pensions is laid out in the national pensions framework which was launched in March of this year. The framework includes a number of changes to the State pension in order to make it more transparent, simple and equitable for those reaching pension age.
From 2012, social insurance credits will be introduced for people who take time out of the workforce for caring duties. This will replace the current homemakers disregard and will assist people, particularly women, to qualify for a contributory pension or a higher level of payment. In addition, from 6 April 2012, and as provided for in legislation since 1997, the minimum number of paid contributions required for State pension (contributory) will increase from 260 to 520.
From 2020, the way in which eligibility for State pension is calculated will be simplified. Specifically, there will be a switch from the way in which pensions are currently calculated over the average working life. Under the new system, the level of pension paid will be based on the total number of social insurance contributions made by a person over his or her working life.
A person will need to make contributions for 30 years to qualify for a maximum pension. Once a person has the minimum number of paid contributions required, he or she will accumulate 1/30th of a pension for each year of contributions up to a maximum 30 years. Upon introduction of the total contributions approach, the maximum number of credits that can be used for pension purposes will be set at 520.
Recognising that people are living longer and healthier lives, the Government has also decided to amend State pension age in three separate stages: in 2014, the State pension transition will be abolished. The effect of this will be to standardise State pension age at 66; in 2021, the State pension age will be set at 67; and finally, in 2028, State pension age will be set at 68.
For those who wish to postpone drawing down their State pension, arrangements will be put in place to enable them to receive an actuarially increased benefit when they decide to retire. In addition, for those with contribution shortfalls at pension age, arrangements will be put in place to allow them to receive additional benefit at a later date if they continue to make paid contributions for pension purposes while remaining in work or self-employment. An implementation group for the National Pensions Framework has been established by my Department and this group will work through the relevant issues in implementing the measures contained in the framework.
Social welfare changes for 2011, including any changes to State pensions, will be considered later this year in the context of next year's budget preparations, having regard both to needs and to the resources available to meet those needs.
Does the Minister accept that his recent comments, in which he failed to rule out the possibility of a cut in the State pension, have caused widespread anxiety and concern among pensioners across the country? Is he prepared to give an undertaking that he will not target pensioners for cuts again, given that several cuts impacted on pensioners last year? Is he prepared to give an undertaking that he will not interfere with the entitlement of people who have contributed to a contributory pension scheme throughout their working lives, and that he will not move to introduce means testing of that State pension, given that people have already made those contributions to qualify for that pension? Can he provide those assurances to the many pensioners who are really worried following his recent comments? Is he prepared to make that statement today? Does the Minister accept that when it comes to making savings in the pensions area, he is barking up the wrong tree? He should be targeting people at the high end of the private pensions industry, rather than those on State pensions.
My answer was in response to a question about a budgetary issue. I am concerned that the remark was misinterpreted by people in a certain way. I gave the standard reply that I give to any query about the budget before the Budget Statement, that is, it is not in my power to pre-empt my Cabinet colleagues on any budgetary issue. Therefore, if the Deputy asks me any specific question about what the Government might or might not do in the budget, I cannot answer her in May. I gave a generic answer, as I have to do in these cases. That is because it would be wrong to start answering specific questions before Cabinet discussions on any budgetary issue. I regret that when I gave what I thought was a generic answer — one that a media person, who is an ex-Minister, would understand perfectly as being the only answer that a Minister could give in the circumstances — it was not taken at face value. At this stage, it is not for me to make any comment on what might or might not be in a budget. I understood that would be taken as being the way we ought to operate.
The Minister gives the impression that he turns up at Cabinet meetings to discuss the budget and brings the entire Estimate for the Department of Social Protection, which is then gone through line by line. Is it not the case, however, that he will bring to the Cabinet his recommendations for cuts in his Department? Is that not the reality of how it will happen? The Minister for Social Protection will bring forward suggestions, which will then be discussed and decided collectively by the Cabinet, as distinct from Cabinet members going through it and asking, "Could you save a few quid here and there?" Is that not the case? The Minister is concerned about the media's interpretation of his comments, but have the media interpreted those comments incorrectly? Have Opposition spokespersons misinterpreted the Minister's comments? Is he not going to touch the old age pension?
Unfortunately, the Deputy is again trying to get me to give some specific commitments one way or the other on the budget. As I said, however, there is a long time to go between now and the budget. I will not in any way pre-empt any Cabinet discussions or any Government announcement on the budget. Therefore, no matter how often or how persistently people ask me what I will do concerning the budget, the same answer will be given, that is, they are all decisions to be taken by the Cabinet.
In my experience we will look at all the parameters in great detail. Last year, we had a large number of meetings before the budget and because the Department of Social Protection accounts for one third of total expenditure, a lot of time was spent on it. My colleagues all have a big interest in it. We are greatly concerned to protect the vulnerable, which is the important thing from our point of view. The matter is a very complex one. We also understand — I believe the Deputy's party agrees with us on this — that unless we meet our fiscal targets the sustainability of any future budgets will be put at risk.
We do not agree with how the Minister addresses that aspect.
There will be differences on how we might proceed but we must adhere to what we said in the 2010 budget and must work within that framework.
Deputy Ó Cuív is the Minister for Social Protection and for that reason it would be helpful if he provided assurances for those who are dependent on the State pension that he will not target them again this year. The Minister said earlier that he was looking at all options. I asked him if he was barking up the wrong tree when it came to making savings in the pension area. Is he prepared, for example, to examine high-rollers who can have pension pots of €5.5 million? Is he prepared to examine the possibility of making cuts in that area, rather than targeting people who depend on the State pension? Equally, will he look at the current situation that allows widespread tax evasion by employers, as there is no limit to the contributions they can make to the pensions of company directors? Those are two areas where the Minister could make savings in pensions. Will he give an assurance that he will consider making savings in those areas, while at the same time providing some assurance to those who depend on the State pension?
I would like to provide an assurance to those in that segment of the social welfare budget who are over 66 and depend on social transfers but I must also look at pensioners, the unemployed, those with disabilities, those in receipt of domiciliary care, child payments and so on. I must also examine the issue of consistent poverty, including vulnerable pensioners, those with disabilities and the unemployed. What we must try do is to frame the budget in such a way that nobody is asked to bear a burden he or she cannot bear. Deputy Shortall asked me other questions but they relate primarily to taxation. I will be part of those discussions on the budget——
But the Minister is responsible for pensions policy.
I call Deputy Barrett. I ask Members to facilitate the Chair in trying to conduct the debate.
I wish to ask the Minister a straight question. As Minister for Social Protection, will he bring to Cabinet any proposals to reduce the contributory old age pension?
What I say to the Deputy is——
"Yes" or "No".
I will not in any way pre-empt——
The Minister is not bringing forward proposals.
I am sorry, Deputy.
The Minister should be allowed to conclude his reply.
I am not going to disclose anything to do with the discussions before budget time——
I am asking the Minister if he is bringing forward proposals.
Please allow the Minister to reply to the question without barracking.
I am not going to answer questions on what I am bringing forward in any circumstance because it would pre-empt——
I am not asking the Minister what he is bringing forward; I am asking him to confirm whether he will not be bringing forward proposals.
The Minister heard the Deputy's question. Let him answer.
I will not confirm whether I am bringing proposals to Cabinet.
So the Minister is not ruling out a cut in the State's old age pension.
Please, Deputy Barrett should allow the Minister to answer.
What I have said is that anyone who asks me a specific question——
I am not anybody. I am asking a question.
Deputy Barrett or any other Deputy or person who asks me a specific question on budget proposals ahead of the budget announcement will not get a specific answer. I will not be tricked into——
The Minister is not being tricked. We are entitled to ask questions. This is Parliament.
Please, the Minister is entitled to be heard without being shouted down. I call him for a final, brief response.
It has been customary, as Deputy Barrett is aware from when he was in government, not to disclose what one will do prior to a budget. I remember a certain Minister of State in Deputy Barrett's party had to resign because he disclosed information on the day of the budget.
That is not something that happens too often on the Government side of the House.
Therefore, I——
We need to move on to the next question.
——will not be disclosing anything.
38 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection the average processing time it takes for a claim in respect of jobseeker’s allowance to be dealt with to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21680/10]
39 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Social Protection the numbers of persons on a national, county and local social welfare office basis awaiting for their application for jobseeker’s allowance and benefit to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21693/10]
46 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Social Protection the average processing time it takes for a claim in respect of jobseeker’s benefit to be dealt with to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21683/10]
49 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection the processing time it takes for each individual social welfare office to deal with a claim for jobseeker’s benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21686/10]
75 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social Protection the processing time it takes for individual social welfare offices to deal with a claim for jobseeker’s allowance to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21689/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 39, 46, 49 and 75 together.
The national average processing times for jobseeker claims decided during April were 2.33 weeks for jobseeker's benefit and 6.92 weeks for jobseeker's allowance. This compares to processing times of 2.12 weeks and 7.10 weeks respectively in March. Processing times can be affected by the requirements of the schemes such as a means assessment or it may be necessary to ascertain details of foreign insurance records. I have made available to the House a table showing the processing times at each local office during April. The total number of jobseekers awaiting a decision on their claim at 15 May was 45,505. This is a reduction of more than 7,000 compared to the figures one month earlier on 10 April 2010 and represents 9% of the total jobseeker claim load nationwide.
Deputies will agree that over the past year or more we have made significant efforts to reduce processing times and the number of claims awaiting a decision. The national average processing times are very close to the targets of having 90% of jobseeker's benefit claims decided within three weeks and 90% of jobseeker's allowance claims decided within six weeks.
As has previously been said in the House, when we look back over several years when the live register was at its lowest, there was always approximately 9% or 10% of claims awaiting a decision. The current performance should be seen in the context that in 2009 alone, local offices received over 670,000 jobseeker claims and so far this year they have received more than 200,000 claims.
I have also made available to the House a table showing the breakdown of jobseeker's benefit, JB, and jobseeker's allowance, JA, claims awaiting a decision at each local office. These data have been compiled from data that are maintained on a local office catchment area basis and these figures do not correspond exactly with county boundaries. The House will be aware of the particular difficulties presented due to the huge rise in unemployment in the past 18 months or so and the pressure this has brought to bear on the network of local and branch offices and in the inspectorate. To alleviate some of this pressure since May 2008, some 450 extra staff have been assigned to local offices, new central support units and to the Department's inspectorate. At the same time the Department has been examining all procedures surrounding the claim acceptance and decisions process with a view to streamlining them and achieving greater efficiencies where possible. These initiatives include the introduction of an appointment system whereby customers can have their claim taken and decided during the appointment. This particular initiative has helped greatly in reducing waiting times and improving processing times. This system is in operation in 38 local offices and there are plans to extend it to further offices.
There is now a more streamlined procedure for customers moving to jobseeker's allowance when their jobseeker's benefit expires. There is also a streamlined process for people who had a claim in the previous two years. The Department has the application forms for the jobseeker schemes on its website, which means that anyone who wants to make a claim can print the form at home and bring it to the local office completed. This helps to reduce queuing times. It is now easier and more straightforward for customers to supply evidence of their identity and address. The Department has also simplified processing methods for some customers who work casually, part-time or on systematic short-time work.
I appreciate the importance of getting claims decided as quickly as possible and I assure the House that staff in local offices and in the Department's inspectorate are doing all they can to ensure that claims are processed as quickly as possible. There are still some offices where processing times and claims awaiting a decision are not as good as we would like. We will strive to reduce processing times and the number of claims awaiting a decision even further where we can, either through streamlining processes and procedures further or through the introduction of new technology to assist with claims processing.
Additonal information not given on the floor of the House.
|
(weeks) |
||
|
JB |
JA |
|
|
NATIONAL AVERAGE |
2.33 |
6.92 |
|
ACHILL |
0.10 |
0.15 |
|
APOLLO HOUSE |
1.46 |
3.87 |
|
ARDEE |
3.48 |
7.81 |
|
ARKLOW |
0.74 |
3.29 |
|
ATHLONE |
2.02 |
4.75 |
|
ATHY |
3.04 |
9.14 |
|
BALBRIGGAN |
3.18 |
8.44 |
|
BALLINA |
3.68 |
14.64 |
|
BALLINASLOE |
1.24 |
5.85 |
|
BALLINROBE |
3.48 |
4.83 |
|
BALLYBOFEY |
1.34 |
2.44 |
|
BALLYCONNELL |
4.00 |
5.44 |
|
BALLYFERMOT |
1.27 |
3.78 |
|
BALLYMUN |
1.29 |
2.35 |
|
BALLYSHANNON |
1.94 |
3.63 |
|
BALTINGLASS |
3.71 |
8.83 |
|
BANDON |
4.22 |
6.57 |
|
BANTRY |
2.67 |
7.25 |
|
BANTRY CO |
2.12 |
3.69 |
|
BELMULLET |
1.25 |
1.53 |
|
BIRR |
1.83 |
4.76 |
|
BISHOP SQUARE |
1.53 |
8.76 |
|
BLANCHARDSTOWN |
1.72 |
12.49 |
|
BOYLE |
3.08 |
8.74 |
|
BRAY |
1.34 |
3.74 |
|
BUNCRANA |
2.28 |
5.36 |
|
CAHIR |
1.39 |
4.12 |
|
CAHIRCIVEEN |
2.90 |
6.49 |
|
CARLOW |
1.69 |
3.28 |
|
CARRICKMACROSS |
1.73 |
4.53 |
|
CARRICK-ON-SHANNON |
1.52 |
3.44 |
|
CARRICK-ON-SUIR |
3.51 |
6.90 |
|
CARRIGALINE |
2.48 |
5.83 |
|
CASHEL |
1.50 |
3.64 |
|
CASTLEBAR |
3.02 |
14.31 |
|
CASTLEBLAYNEY |
2.79 |
6.18 |
|
CASTLEPOLLARD |
4.39 |
9.72 |
|
CASTLEREA |
3.44 |
12.66 |
|
CAVAN |
2.75 |
7.99 |
|
CLAREMORRIS |
4.47 |
10.99 |
|
CLIFDEN |
1.68 |
3.56 |
|
CLONAKILTY |
3.60 |
5.21 |
|
CLONDALKIN |
3.22 |
7.33 |
|
CLONES |
1.19 |
4.82 |
|
CLONMEL |
1.11 |
3.10 |
|
COBH |
0.62 |
2.30 |
|
COOLOCK |
2.98 |
5.67 |
|
CORK |
1.62 |
9.49 |
|
DINGLE |
0.75 |
8.71 |
|
DONEGAL |
2.42 |
2.95 |
|
DONEGAL CO |
2.00 |
0.00 |
|
DROGHEDA |
2.02 |
7.33 |
|
DUNDALK |
0.97 |
3.47 |
|
DUNFANAGHY |
1.02 |
2.01 |
|
DUNGARVAN |
2.61 |
7.03 |
|
DUNGLOE |
1.54 |
2.81 |
|
DÚN LAOGHAIRE |
1.93 |
5.44 |
|
EDENDERRY |
3.21 |
13.59 |
|
ENNIS |
1.88 |
9.07 |
|
ENNISCORTHY |
2.92 |
9.27 |
|
ENNISTYMON |
4.18 |
9.83 |
|
FERMOY |
4.83 |
7.22 |
|
FINGLAS |
0.83 |
3.09 |
|
GALWAY |
2.12 |
10.65 |
|
GOREY |
3.30 |
8.45 |
|
GORT |
4.38 |
8.90 |
|
KELLS |
2.80 |
9.56 |
|
KENMARE |
1.40 |
3.06 |
|
KILBARRACK |
1.17 |
4.61 |
|
KILKENNY |
0.84 |
4.30 |
|
KILLARNEY |
1.52 |
11.55 |
|
KILLORGLIN |
0.58 |
3.04 |
|
KILLYBEGS |
0.91 |
1.99 |
|
KILMALLOCK |
2.60 |
4.19 |
|
KILRUSH |
3.56 |
8.12 |
|
KING'S INNS STREET |
1.10 |
3.22 |
|
KINSALE |
2.99 |
4.48 |
|
LETTERKENNY |
1.00 |
4.33 |
|
LIMERICK |
2.48 |
8.81 |
|
LISTOWEL |
2.13 |
6.06 |
|
LONGFORD |
4.55 |
10.10 |
|
LOUGHREA |
2.67 |
10.54 |
|
MACROOM |
5.69 |
7.74 |
|
MALLOW |
4.61 |
3.69 |
|
MANORHAMILTON |
0.73 |
0.84 |
|
MAYNOOTH |
2.57 |
6.49 |
|
MIDLETON |
3.43 |
6.02 |
|
MONAGHAN |
2.15 |
3.96 |
|
MUINE BHEAG |
1.14 |
4.51 |
|
MULLINGAR |
3.94 |
13.55 |
|
NAVAN |
3.73 |
13.79 |
|
NAVAN ROAD |
1.85 |
12.71 |
|
NENAGH |
2.01 |
3.45 |
|
NEWBRIDGE |
2.78 |
9.38 |
|
NEWCASTLE WEST |
2.15 |
2.87 |
|
NEWMARKET |
6.48 |
7.57 |
|
NEW ROSS |
2.27 |
6.03 |
|
NUTGROVE |
1.36 |
1.66 |
|
PORTARLINGTON |
1.55 |
6.95 |
|
PORTLAOISE |
3.50 |
7.60 |
|
RATHDOWNEY |
4.20 |
7.51 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
3.45 |
10.85 |
|
ROSCREA |
1.18 |
3.14 |
|
SKIBBEREEN |
2.22 |
6.77 |
|
SLIGO |
1.08 |
5.02 |
|
SWINFORD |
4.34 |
14.03 |
|
SWORDS |
3.72 |
5.34 |
|
TALLAGHT |
1.69 |
4.42 |
|
THOMAS STREET |
2.00 |
7.05 |
|
THOMASTOWN |
1.64 |
5.66 |
|
THURLES |
1.14 |
3.23 |
|
TIPPERARY |
3.16 |
3.79 |
|
TRALEE |
1.76 |
2.69 |
|
TRIM |
5.08 |
13.61 |
|
TUAM |
1.85 |
8.63 |
|
TUBBERCURRY |
1.32 |
1.94 |
|
TULLA |
3.47 |
6.73 |
|
TULLAMORE |
1.62 |
4.90 |
|
TULLOW |
1.29 |
4.13 |
|
WATERFORD |
3.01 |
9.74 |
|
WESTPORT |
3.18 |
4.67 |
|
WEXFORD |
3.14 |
5.76 |
|
WICKLOW |
1.12 |
2.49 |
|
YOUGHAL |
2.86 |
5.30 |
|
Local Office |
Parent Office |
Type |
Claimload |
Pending |
% Pending |
|
Achill |
Achill |
SWLO |
571 |
4 |
1% |
|
Apollo House |
Apollo House |
SWLO |
3,028 |
158 |
5% |
|
Ardee |
Drogheda |
SWBO |
2,785 |
380 |
14% |
|
Arklow |
Arklow |
SWLO |
3,784 |
87 |
2% |
|
Athlone |
Athlone |
SWLO |
4,681 |
344 |
7% |
|
Athy |
Newbridge |
SWBO |
3,080 |
313 |
10% |
|
Balbriggan |
Balbriggan |
SWLO |
5,213 |
721 |
14% |
|
Ballina |
Ballina |
SWLO |
4,172 |
311 |
7% |
|
Ballinasloe |
Athlone |
SWBO |
2,925 |
195 |
7% |
|
Ballinrobe |
Loughrea |
SWBO |
1,413 |
175 |
12% |
|
Ballybofey |
Donegal CO |
SWBO |
3,170 |
138 |
4% |
|
Ballyconnell |
Cavan |
SWBO |
1,483 |
142 |
10% |
|
Ballyfermot |
Ballyfermot |
SWLO |
3,789 |
143 |
4% |
|
Ballymun |
Ballymun |
SWLO |
3,213 |
115 |
4% |
|
Ballyshannon |
Donegal CO |
SWBO |
1,851 |
75 |
4% |
|
Baltinglass |
Newbridge |
SWBO |
1,729 |
141 |
8% |
|
Bandon |
Carrigaline |
SWBO |
1,820 |
148 |
8% |
|
Bantry |
Bantry CO |
SWBO |
1,549 |
108 |
7% |
|
Bantry CO |
Bantry CO |
SWLO |
442 |
35 |
8% |
|
Belmullet |
Belmullet |
SWLO |
1,337 |
42 |
3% |
|
Birr |
Athlone |
SWBO |
2,583 |
180 |
7% |
|
Bishop Square |
Bishop Square |
SWLO |
10,209 |
957 |
9% |
|
Blanchardstown |
Blanchardstown |
SWLO |
8,893 |
1,190 |
13% |
|
Boyle |
Longford |
SWBO |
1,266 |
161 |
13% |
|
Bray |
Bray |
SWLO |
6,001 |
377 |
6% |
|
Buncrana |
Buncrana |
SWLO |
5,949 |
548 |
9% |
|
Cahir |
Clonmel |
SWBO |
1,501 |
85 |
6% |
|
Cahirciveen |
Cahirciveen |
SWLO |
971 |
45 |
5% |
|
Carlow |
Carlow |
SWLO |
4,209 |
139 |
3% |
|
Carrickmacross |
Dundalk |
SWBO |
1,940 |
138 |
7% |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
Carrick-on-Shannon |
SWLO |
3,095 |
142 |
5% |
|
Carrick-on-Suir |
Waterford |
SWBO |
2,259 |
205 |
9% |
|
Carrigaline |
Carrigaline |
SWLO |
2,813 |
207 |
7% |
|
Cashel |
Clonmel |
SWBO |
1,329 |
96 |
7% |
|
Castlebar |
Castlebar |
SWLO |
2,825 |
291 |
10% |
|
Castleblaney |
Dundalk |
SWBO |
2,197 |
135 |
6% |
|
Castlepollard |
Mullingar |
SWBO |
1,650 |
235 |
14% |
|
Castlerea |
Ballina |
SWBO |
2,245 |
313 |
14% |
|
Cavan |
Cavan |
SWLO |
7,192 |
669 |
9% |
|
Claremorris |
Ballina |
SWBO |
1,822 |
181 |
10% |
|
Clifden |
Clifden |
SWLO |
1,516 |
42 |
3% |
|
Clonakilty |
Carrigaline |
SWBO |
1,502 |
115 |
8% |
|
Clondalkin |
Clondalkin |
SWLO |
11,165 |
1,244 |
11% |
|
Clones |
Dundalk |
SWBO |
980 |
58 |
6% |
|
Clonmel |
Clonmel |
SWLO |
3,082 |
134 |
4% |
|
Cobh |
Cobh |
SWLO |
1,267 |
33 |
3% |
|
Coolock |
Coolock |
SWLO |
6,047 |
850 |
14% |
|
Cork |
Cork |
SWLO |
22,079 |
3,010 |
14% |
|
Dingle |
Tralee |
SWBO |
916 |
35 |
4% |
|
Donegal |
Donegal CO |
SWBO |
1,738 |
70 |
4% |
|
Drogheda |
Drogheda |
SWLO |
9,151 |
1055 |
12% |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
Dún Laoghaire |
SWLO |
8,668 |
739 |
9% |
|
Dundalk |
Dundalk |
SWLO |
7,424 |
224 |
3% |
|
Dunfanaghy |
Dunfanaghy |
SWLO |
1,874 |
40 |
2% |
|
Dungarvan |
Waterford |
SWBO |
2,575 |
273 |
11% |
|
Dungloe |
Dungloe |
SWLO |
2,627 |
69 |
3% |
|
Edenderry |
Mullingar |
SWBO |
2,511 |
378 |
15% |
|
Ennis |
Ennis |
SWLO |
6,875 |
555 |
8% |
|
Enniscorthy |
Wexford |
SWBO |
5,333 |
627 |
12% |
|
Ennistymon |
Ennis |
SWBO |
1,966 |
160 |
8% |
|
Fermoy |
Mallow CO |
SWBO |
3,190 |
429 |
13% |
|
Finglas |
Finglas |
SWLO |
6,335 |
310 |
5% |
|
Galway |
Galway |
SWLO |
14,625 |
2,098 |
14% |
|
Gorey |
Wexford |
SWBO |
4,508 |
428 |
9% |
|
Gort |
Ennis |
SWBO |
1,776 |
201 |
11% |
|
Kells |
Navan |
SWBO |
2,209 |
303 |
14% |
|
Kenmare |
Kenmare |
SWLO |
868 |
28 |
3% |
|
Kilbarrack |
Kilbarrack |
SWLO |
6,156 |
372 |
6% |
|
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny |
SWLO |
7,078 |
318 |
4% |
|
Killarney |
Killarney |
SWLO |
3,569 |
425 |
12% |
|
Killorglin |
Tralee |
SWBO |
1,586 |
44 |
3% |
|
Killybegs |
Donegal CO |
SWBO |
1,500 |
32 |
2% |
|
Kilmallock |
Newcastlewest |
SWBO |
3,012 |
213 |
7% |
|
Kilrush |
Ennis |
SWBO |
1,728 |
175 |
10% |
|
King’s Inns Street |
King’s Inns Street |
SWLO |
8,696 |
577 |
7% |
|
Kinsale |
Carrigaline |
SWBO |
1,519 |
107 |
7% |
|
Letterkenny |
Letterkenny |
SWLO |
6,589 |
190 |
3% |
|
Limerick |
Limerick |
SWLO |
16,943 |
1,910 |
11% |
|
Listowel |
Listowel |
SWLO |
3,616 |
280 |
8% |
|
Longford |
Longford |
SWLO |
6,227 |
827 |
13% |
|
Loughrea |
Loughrea |
SWLO |
3,088 |
452 |
15% |
|
Macroom |
Mallow CO |
SWBO |
2,303 |
332 |
14% |
|
Mallow |
Mallow CO |
SWBO |
3,073 |
378 |
12% |
|
Manorhamilton |
Manorhamilton |
SWLO |
1,098 |
19 |
2% |
|
Maynooth |
Ballyfermot |
SWBO |
6,846 |
623 |
9% |
|
Midleton |
Carrigaline |
SWBO |
3,641 |
339 |
9% |
|
Monaghan |
Dundalk |
SWBO |
3,090 |
152 |
5% |
|
Muine Bheag |
Carlow |
SWBO |
2,119 |
102 |
5% |
|
Mullingar |
Mullingar |
SWLO |
5,743 |
893 |
16% |
|
Navan |
Navan |
SWLO |
6,546 |
1,426 |
22% |
|
Navan Road |
Navan Road |
SWLO |
7,100 |
1,081 |
15% |
|
Nenagh |
Thurles |
SWBO |
3,400 |
227 |
7% |
|
New Ross |
Wexford |
SWBO |
3,840 |
266 |
7% |
|
Newbridge |
Newbridge |
SWLO |
10,952 |
1,286 |
12% |
|
Newcastle West |
Newcastle West |
SWLO |
3,847 |
212 |
6% |
|
Newmarket |
Listowel |
SWBO |
2,472 |
238 |
10% |
|
Nutgrove |
Nutgrove |
SWLO |
5,926 |
227 |
4% |
|
Portarlington |
Tullamore |
SWBO |
3,614 |
269 |
7% |
|
Portlaoise |
Kilkenny |
SWBO |
4,348 |
375 |
9% |
|
Rathdowney |
Kilkenny |
SWBO |
1,361 |
137 |
10% |
|
Roscommon |
Longford |
SWBO |
1,518 |
118 |
8% |
|
Roscrea |
Thurles |
SWBO |
1,571 |
79 |
5% |
|
Skibbereen |
Bantry CO |
SWBO |
1,657 |
106 |
6% |
|
Sligo |
Sligo |
SWLO |
5,182 |
352 |
7% |
|
Swinford |
Ballina |
SWBO |
2,108 |
242 |
11% |
|
Swords |
Swords |
SWLO |
5,145 |
569 |
11% |
|
Tallaght |
Tallaght |
SWLO |
11,721 |
734 |
6% |
|
Thomas Street |
Thomas Street |
SWLO |
5,364 |
319 |
6% |
|
Thomastown |
Waterford |
SWBO |
1,651 |
197 |
12% |
|
Thurles |
Thurles |
SWLO |
3,391 |
160 |
5% |
|
Tipperary |
Clonmel |
SWBO |
1,985 |
108 |
5% |
|
Tralee |
Tralee |
SWLO |
8,312 |
226 |
3% |
|
Trim |
Navan |
SWBO |
4,072 |
811 |
20% |
|
Tuam |
Loughrea |
SWBO |
4,369 |
466 |
11% |
|
Tubbercurry |
Sligo |
SWBO |
1,235 |
12 |
1% |
|
Tulla |
Ennis |
SWBO |
1,712 |
153 |
9% |
|
Tullamore |
Tullamore |
SWLO |
4,584 |
158 |
3% |
|
Tullow |
Carlow |
SWBO |
1,732 |
84 |
5% |
|
Waterford |
Waterford |
SWLO |
14,418 |
1,658 |
11% |
|
Westport |
Westport |
SWLO |
2,389 |
53 |
2% |
|
Wexford |
Wexford |
SWLO |
7,782 |
638 |
8% |
|
Wicklow |
Arklow |
SWBO |
2421 |
80 |
3% |
|
Youghal |
Carrigaline |
SWBO |
2027 |
101 |
5% |
|
TOTALS |
50,4763 |
45,505 |
9% |
The Minister described the context to us of where we are and where we were. It is very difficult to deal with a couple before one in a clinic who cannot pay their mortgage or ESB bills and whose telephone has been cut off, who cannot afford to clothe and properly feed their family because they are waiting for their application to be processed. One cannot just tell them that due to the unemployment situation being worse they will have to expect to wait a bit longer. One needs to have a feel for the position in which they find themselves.
The Minister has told us half the story. The questions relate to jobseeker's allowance. What about the length of time it is taking for appeals? What does the Minister intend to do to address that? The average time taken to assess an appeal for jobseeker's allowance and means is almost 23 weeks and more than 18 weeks for the rest of jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit.
The average waiting time is not seven weeks everywhere. There is a continuing problem in the social welfare office in Edenderry which happens to be in my constituency. This is my fifth Question Time to ask the Minister about the Edenderry office. The waiting time there is still 14.5 weeks. Why are the schemes——
There are a number of specific questions.
——not working there? Deputy Feighan will probably raise the same matter of difficulties in the Boyle office. The Minister is failing utterly to tackle the problem in specific areas. What does he intend to do about that?
I agree with the Deputy about the importance of ensuring that people get answers as speedily as possible on social welfare claims. As Deputy Enright is aware, it is also important and it is a big help when people provide all the information requested urgently. In the same way as Deputy Enright, I have often dealt with cases in my office which involved helping people to get the necessary paperwork together in order that the claim could be dealt with. In the specific case outlined by the Deputy, I remind her that a supplementary welfare allowance is available for people in urgent need while they wait for a decision.
How can that be paid out in a week by a community welfare officer who still has to be fairly sure that the claimant is entitled, yet it can take a significant length of time to make an application through the Department?
That is a discretionary payment. I understand a relatively small number of people applying for payment get supplementary welfare. However, it is available. We must have a discretionary system in place that can provide a quick answer on a short-term basis but obviously the issue of jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit is a longer term one.
The Minister still has not given the information.
Obviously, the payment of jobseeker's allowance or benefit is a longer-term issue.
I will comment on the appeals issue even though it is not the subject of this question. One of the other questions that have been tabled is about this issue. I am concerned about the length of time it takes to deal with appeals. I assure the Deputy that the response to the other question will make it clear that I am taking specific action to try to deal with the appeals backlog. I agree with the Deputy that the backlog of appeals unfortunately means that this process is taking an unacceptable length of time. I am dealing with that.
I was asked specifically about Edenderry. An additional social welfare investigator was assigned to Edenderry last October. However, the inspectors in Edenderry have no premises that is suitable for desk interviews.
There are many empty buildings in the town that could be used.
Consequently, almost all jobseeker's allowance claims involve an at-home visit. This has had a severe impact on processing times in this area. The OPW recently advertised for accommodation in Edenderry. This will improve customer service by providing accommodation for two welfare inspectors and a facilitator, thus providing a facility for desk assessments rather than home visits. The OPW is currently evaluating responses with a view to securing suitable accommodation as quickly as possible. That issue is being dealt with.
Approximately a year ago, I raised the unacceptable length of the waiting list in the Boyle area, where people were having to wait for up to 19 weeks to have their cases dealt with. Has that problem been alleviated in the past few months?
If a specific question on the matter were tabled to the Minister, he may be able to assist.
We have asked general questions as well.
I do not have the information in respect of Boyle, unfortunately. I will get an answer for the Deputy.
The average figures are fine. I have to acknowledge the progress that has been made in that regard. Difficulties continue to exist in certain areas, however. Can the Minister tell us what the longest waiting time for the payment of jobseeker's allowance is? The main problems seem to be in the branch offices, rather than the local offices. I do not know if the Minister agrees. Has he considered devising a particular strategy to deal with the branch offices? Now that additional staff have been taken on, can the Minister tell us whether he believes the full complement of staff has been reached? Is he looking for additional staff? There is a concern that the diversion of staff into the processing of claims means the Department is not as active as it should be in terms of fraud detection.
It is not active where it should be active.
I do not know of any requests for extra staff. I will double-check that. I was also asked about the longest time for a claim. A table that will be circulated sets out the relevant time in each office. I have to say that in my experience, cases in which claims are not dealt with for a very long time often relate to people not providing information. Therefore, it is not always a measure of the efficiency of the office.
Why is it worse in some places than in others?
What office has the longest waiting times?
The list I am circulating will provide that information. It takes 12 weeks for jobseeker's allowance to be processed in Blanchardstown, for example. It takes just 1.72 for jobseeker's benefit to be processed there. We will have to deal with offices with long delay times. If it is a question of individuals with long delay times——
No, we are talking about offices.
Okay. There are offices with waiting times of two weeks for jobseeker's allowance.
What about Boyle?
The Minister will circulate a table providing the information.
A quick perusal of the table shows that there is a waiting time of 12 weeks.
The Minister has given an answer in relation to Boyle. He does not have the information.
He does have the table.
I have the table here. The waiting time in Boyle for jobseeker's benefit is 3.08 weeks for jobseeker's benefit and 8.74 weeks in the other case. It does not have the longest waiting time. I did not realise it was in such a handy format here.
It has improved.
The waiting time for jobseeker's benefit in Blanchardstown is 1.72 weeks. It is 12.49 weeks in the case of jobseeker's allowance.
It is not acceptable that people in the Blanchardstown area have to wait three months to get jobseeker's allowance payments.
I accept that.
What action is the Minister taking to deal with that?
It is not just because they are filling the forms in wrong.
As I have said, a great deal of work has been done on the global scheme to deal with delays. I agree that we have to keep working with a particular focus on areas where there are unacceptable delays in processing claims.
What does that mean?
The Deputy can be absolutely sure——
What will the Minister do about it?
I cannot give the Deputy chapter and verse for each individual office. I will work with my officials. I will continue to stress that we need to take action on a range of fronts, as outlined in the answer, to deal with the delays that exist. That can involve the use of technology and staff, etc. I agree with Deputies that it is important for people to get a speedy service from the Department. In general, the Department makes a valiant effort to provide that kind of service.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
