Thomas P. Broughan
Question:117 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she is taking to deal with the eight month delaying in processing PRSI refund applications. [1781/10]
View answerTuesday, 19 January 2010
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Written answers
The Department endeavours to process applications for refunds of PRSI as efficiently as possible. However, the volume of applications for refunds of PRSI has increased dramatically in recent years; some 23,400 applications were received in 2009 compared to 14,000 in 2008 and 9,000 in 2007. The increased volume of applications has inevitably given rise to a delay in processing refund applications.
In order to speed up the processing of refund applications, the processes and procedures in the section have been reviewed and appropriate changes implemented along with new technical supports. Furthermore, in December 2009, an additional five staff were assigned to the area on a temporary basis to help clear the number of applications on hand. The Department is also continuing to examine ways of making better use of modern technology, e.g. payment of refunds by electronic fund transfer, online applications and enhancement of the current calculation functionality.
The additional staff, more streamlined processes and procedures and technical supports have already shown positive results. In December 2009, refunds were processed for about 265 applicants per week compared with about 160 per week in October and November 2009.
With the implementation of further process improvements and technical supports, I am confident that further improvements will be made in the processing of applications for refunds.