Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2482. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason that 4% of State pension contributory claims were not awarded within processing time standards, according to the public service performance report 2017. [33278/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHaving achieved a target of ninety six per cent as indicated by the Deputy in the Public Service Performance Report 2017, demonstrates that my Department has in fact exceeded its target of ninety per cent of claims processed by date of entitlement, currently the applicant’s 66th birthday. The target of ninety per cent of widow’s, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pension claims processed within 6 weeks has also been exceeded for 2017.
My Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible. Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing qualification criteria. Delays can arise if additional information is required from either claimants or from other sources such as previous employers or from social security authorities in other jurisdictions. In the case of claimants who have been self-employed, clarification may be required in relation to their records and there may be outstanding PRSI liabilities.
As part of the Department’s programme of service delivery modernisation, a range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of claims, supported by modern technology, have been implemented in recent years. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised. In addition, the staffing needs of the Department are regularly reviewed, having regard to workloads and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of available resources.
I want to assure the Deputy that prompt processing of claims is an ongoing priority for my Department. Each scheme area is continuously monitored and processing procedures reviewed to ensure that claims are decided as quickly as possible when all necessary information is to hand.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
