An East Galway TD has assured people in the county waiting for income supports that payments are being processed as fast as possible.
Minister for the Diaspora and International Development Ciaran Cannon said that should there be any issues with individual payments the department will contact the claimants directly.
Minister Cannon said; “Given the current situation, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has experienced unprecedented demand for income supports including the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Jobseeker payments since March 13 and the level of demand equates to 10 months normal claim-load in just 10 working days.
“I therefore wish to assure people in Galway awaiting income supports that the department is processing these claims as fast as possible and that staff have been working long hours, over weekends, and the bank holiday to ensure that claims are processed as quickly as possible.
“I understand that the first Covid-19 related payments, for approximately 90 per cent of claims received from March 13 to 19 were issued on Friday March 20 and were in customer’s bank accounts on last Tuesday.
“Some payments did not go forward for various reasons and this is normal. For example some claims may not have met eligibility criteria. Other payments may have been held back due to an error with an IBAN number or an inconsistency between PPSNs. The department is working very hard to resolve these issues and is contacting the customers concerned directly.
“Again this week nearly all claims received since March 19 will be processed for payment on March 27 and will be in customer's bank accounts on Tuesday March 31.
Minister Cannon added; “The department is processing payments into Irish bank accounts and via the Post Office network only and reassures people that where they are entitled, they will receive a payment from the department as soon as possible. Should there be any issues with individual payments the department will contact the claimants directly."
