Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1507. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection the average processing times in respect of applications for the domiciliary carer's allowance payment; the number of all applications which upon receipt have still yet to be determined in respect of applicants waiting for three months, six months, nine months, 12 months, 15 months and greater than 15 months, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35469/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is currently experiencing delays in the processing of Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) claims. We are extremely sorry for any worry or concern this may cause to parents/guardians of children with additional care needs. At present it is taking 20 weeks on average to finalise an application.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to the extended time required to process claims. The number of applications for DCA has increased substantially in recent years. In the 4 year period from 2013 to 2016 the number of applications increased by 54%, from under 5,000 to almost 7,500 per annum. In May 2017, over 1000 applications were received, the highest monthly intake to date.
In addition to the increased volumes, there has also been a significant increase in the complexity and length of time required to process each application. This has been impacted by a High Court ruling, following a legal challenge by an un-successful applicant, which places a greater onus on the deciding officer to provide the applicant with more detail of the reasoning used in coming to their decision. Processing times have increased as a result. Additional staff have been assigned to the scheme in recent weeks, once they are fully trained and operational it is anticipated that processing times will be again be reduced to target levels.
At end June 2017, there were 3,725 applications awaiting decision, only 3 have been waiting longer than 6 months for a decision, these particular cases are awaiting further information from the customer. Average time taken to decide an application in June was 18.8 weeks.
Domiciliary Care Allowance - Stats at 30 June 2017
|
New applications pending decision |
3,725 |
|
New Applications pending decision, under 3 months |
2,343 |
|
New Applications pending decision 3-6 months |
1,379 |
|
New Applications pending decision 6-9 months |
3 (further information to follow from customer) |
|
New Applications pending decision 9- 12 months |
0 |
|
New applications pending decision 12-15 months |
0 |
|
New applications pending decision 15+ months |
0 |
