Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2012
274 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she has taken to improve the length of time it takes to process invalidity pension applications; if she is satisfied with the current turn around time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33573/12]
View answerThis Department is committed to delivering the best possible service to its customers. I acknowledge that the time taken to process Invalidity Pension (IP) claims at present is not satisfactory but I am satisfied that the Department is taking appropriate action to resolve the situation. Many improvements have already been introduced in IP Section.
Since June 2011 all IP claims are processed on a new IT platform under the department's service delivery model project. A comprehensive business process improvement exercise has recently been completed, the focus of which is to optimise performance and reduce waiting times. New organisation structures and claim processing procedures have recently been implemented. Additional staff has also been assigned to IP area and overtime has been made available and is used when necessary.
Processes and procedures are continuously reviewed with the explicit objective of reducing delays. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by my Department.
