asked the Minister for Social Welfare why there is such a long delay in giving decisions on applications for deserted wives' allowances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deserted Wives' Allowances.
32.
As the Deputy will, no doubt, appreciate, the introduction of a new assistance scheme of this kind inevitably gives rise to a large initial intake of claims which cannot be cleared rapidly. In addition, in the deserted wife's allowance, a number of difficult and delicate problems arose, particularly in cases in which desertion occurred many years ago. An assessment of means has also to be made.
Nevertheless the great bulk of claims for this allowance were, in fact, determined with commendable speed and, in all the circumstances. I am satisfied there has been no undue delay in giving decisions. If, however, the Deputy has a particular case in mind I shall have inquiries made if he will let me have details.
What would the Minister consider commendable speed?
Sufficient time to make the necessary inquiries and to get a decision. I cannot answer whether it is three weeks or three years.
Would the Minister not consider that as a number of people who applied when the scheme was announced have not yet got benefit it is not a commendably speedy procedure?
They may never get it.
It looks as if they will not.
The Deputy knows perfectly well that this is one scheme where one cannot expedite matters in certain cases.