Illness Benefit Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2018

Tuesday, 23 October 2018

Questions (658)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

658. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by persons who are receiving or applying for illness benefit; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that in some cases the illness benefit is arbitrarily reduced, paid intermittently and in some cases stopped entirely; if her attention has been further drawn to the perception that it is impossible to make contact with the relevant section of her Department; the action she plans to take in view of the fact persons in receipt of same are vulnerable, have paid the contributions and in many cases are solely dependent on this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43809/18]

Written answers

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

My Department recently moved to a new IT system and this has impacted on payments to some Illness Benefit (IB) customers. The transition has involved moving from a payment in arrears system to a real-time system for IB. 

The Department acknowledges that this move has caused difficulties for some customers leading to a large volume of calls to its helpline and long delays in responding to calls. In order to address this issue, the Department has deployed additional staff to manage customer calls.

I want to assure the Deputy that all IB customers will be paid the correct amount for the period of their illness - as certified by their GP.  Any customer who has an urgent financial need can apply to the Department's Community Welfare Service to receive an interim payment. Customers in these circumstances should get in touch with their local Intreo Centre.

My Department is working hard to resolve these payment issues as quickly as possible. 

 I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.