Written Answers Nos. 153-160
153. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on reports of delays in the issuing of maternity benefit payments; the reason for the delays; the average waiting time for receipt of this payment; the steps he will take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22214/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently there are over 2,850 claims for maternity benefit waiting to be processed. Just over 1,300 of these claims have a leave commencement date of 8 May 2017, or earlier. Maternity benefit claims are processed in leave commencement date order. The average time to process a paper claim is 6 weeks. Processing claims by leave commencement date order ensures that those whose maternity leave is impending or has already started receive priority.
The delays have been caused by a combination of staffing and operational issues. The Department has recently experienced a turnover of staff in the Buncrana office which processes maternity claims. They have also experienced challenges in recruiting replacement staff and once recruited it takes time for staff to be fully trained. In relation to the operational issues, a new IT system has recently been introduced and has taken time to bed in fully.
To alleviate delays, additional staff have been assigned and staff are working overtime. I want to assure customers that every effort is being made to ensure all claims are processed as quickly as possible.
Once a claim has been awarded, and where the leave has already commenced, payment issues on the following Monday and this payment will also include any arrears due to the customer at that point.
The Department also facilitates online applications for maternity benefit and an automated decision is made where the customer submits all necessary information and where the detail provided can be validated. I would ask the Deputy to encourage women who are planning maternity leave to use this channel, if possible, as it provides the most effective method of applying for maternity benefit.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
154. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 178 of 6 April 2017, the training times for administrative staff up to grade 5; his views on the appropriate timeframe to train these persons; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that temporary grade 3 staff are being employed in positions in which permanent staff members should be reallocated. [22223/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my response to PQ No. 178 of 6 April where I advised him that there is no definitive time period associated with the training of new staff as it is very much dependent on the area of work and the training needs associated with same.
With regard to the Deputy’s question in relation to Grade 5 and temporary Grade 3 staff, I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no such grades in the civil service.
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision in respect of an appeal will issue in the case of a person (details supplied). [22224/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence including that adduced at the oral hearing, has decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
156. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will arrange an assessment for a person (details supplied) who applied for an allowance in October 2016; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the inspector has not called to them yet; and the reason for the delay. [22244/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that an application from the person concerned for disability allowance (DA) was received by the Department on 26 October 2016. The application has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for a report on the person’s means and circumstances. Once the SWI has submitted his/her report to DA section, a decision will be made on the application and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
157. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension and disability allowance claim by a person (details supplied). [22266/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe lady referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from the 27 April 2017 and the first payment issued to her nominated bank account on that date. The lady in question was notified of this decision on the 11 April 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
158. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension claim by a person (details supplied). [22267/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The department received a claim for IP for the lady concerned on 14 December 2016. She was refused IP on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on the 08 February 2017 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review or appeal.
She requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of her request. Following a review of all the information available it has been decided that there is no change to the original decision. She was notified on 09 May 2017 of the outcome of the review.
As she has appealed the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO), a submission is being prepared by the department and will be forwarded to the SWAO for determination.
The SWAO will be in touch with her in due course in relation to the progress of their appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
159. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer's allowance claim by a person (details supplied). [22293/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 1 March 2017. The application is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
160. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer's allowance claim by a person (details supplied). [22294/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer’s allowance was awarded to the person concerned on 2 May 2017 and the first payment issued to her nominated bank account on 4 May 2017.
Arrears of allowance due from to 9 February 2017 have also issued. The person concerned was notified of these details on 2 May 2017.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
