Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 10

Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Lismore (Waterford) Social Welfare Office.

Austin Deasy

Question:

111 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will investigate the conditions pertaining at the social welfare office in Lismore, County Waterford in view of complaints, particularly regarding its size and lack of privacy.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy)

The Social Welfare office in Lismore, County Waterford, was moved to a new premises on 6 October 1992. The move fulfilled a commitment given by my predecessor to provide a new and better office in the town.

In the search for new premises a number of buildings in Lismore were inspected and the office chosen was the best available. While it is smaller than the old office the accommodation there for both staff and the public is of a higher standard. It was specifically modified internally with the dignity and privacy of clients in mind. There is a modern public area for routine inquiries and an adjoining office where matters of a confidential nature can be dealt with in great privacy as the need arises.

There is pressure on space on signing mornings which are the office's busiest times. At present unemployed people in the Lismore area call to the office on a fortnightly rota to sign.

My Department is in the process of introducing more flexible signing arrangements for the unemployed nation-wide. As part of this clients in the Lismore area will be required to sign once every month in the future. Consequently, only one quarter of the total number of people signing at the office will need to attend in any given week. This will reduce the number of callers substantially and should ease, if not eliminate, any problems arising from the size of the office.