LIMERICK has been left out of the loop in the new fast tracking system for people who have lost their jobs and are now applying for job seekers allowance.
The scheme has been rolled out in 20 centres nationwide.
A spokesperson at the Limerick Social Welfare offices told the Limerick Post that new applicants have to wait up to 12 weeks before payment is fully processed.
An angry deputy Jan O’Sullivan wants the matter addressed as quickly as possible.
“I am disappointed that Limerick is the only city that has been excluded from this new initiative.
“With unemployment figures worryingly high in Limerick, there is not a day goes by without people making representations to my constituency office enquiring about their claim and how quickly it can be processed.
“While I acknowledge the difficulty and pressure staff within social welfare offices are being placed under due to the demands and numbers presenting at offices locally, it is not acceptable that applicants may have to wait up to 12 weeks or longer before receiving payment”.
The new system will see applicants given appointments and told what documents are necessary. It is planned that such appointments will be scheduled for within two to three working days of the initial visit.
Minister Mary Hanafin said claims will be cleared for payment in a matter of days following the customer’s first contact with the office,
Latest figures show there are over 21,000 people unemployed in the city.
