Departmental Functions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2011

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Ceisteanna (144)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason in reply to parliamentary questions relating to delays with processing claims for rent or mortgage support or basic payments while applicants are awaiting a decision it has become commonplace to expect a reference to the fact that responsibility for such payments has been transferred to her, a fact, already well known, that should have no bearing on an applicant’s entitlement unless other issues surrounding the transfer of responsibilities exist of which the public is not aware; if she will therefore carry out an inquiry into the situation in view of the hardship caused to many vulnerable persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36650/11]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

Reference to the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Service Executive to the Department of Social Protection has been included in recent Parliamentary Questions for information purposes only and does not relate to any individual case.

The reality is each application for mortgage interest supplement is determined by an officer of the Department taking account of the relevant legislative provisions and on the basis of the merits of each individual case. The timescale for determining applications for rent and mortgage interest supplements is dependent, among other things, on the availability of the required information, such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements, information from landlords, lending institutions etc. In addition, some aspects of the applications are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where further investigations or third party evidence is required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information.

The provision of a prompt service is a major objective; however this has to be achieved in a manner that is consistent with the demands of natural justice and the need to ensure that every case is fully investigated. While certain cases may take more time to process than others, overall, I am satisfied that every effort is being made to decide rent and mortgage interest supplement claims in an efficient, effective and timely manner.