2009. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Social Protection the current processing timeframes for new applications for illness benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60975/26]

The Department aims to process 90% of new Illness Benefit applications within seven days. To date this year 95.18% of new Illness Benefit claims were awarded within seven days of application.

When any new application for Illness Benefit is received, the department issues an SMS message to the customer telling them that their claim has been received and that provided that they or their GP has submitted a Certificate of Incapacity for Work, their claim will be processed within 10 working days.

The primary reason a decision may not be made within seven days is where a medical certificate has not yet been received. A medical certificate is necessary to progress the claim.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.