Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
369. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will detail the social welfare offices where Intreo has been introduced; those offices where it is planned to be introduced by the end of 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25263/13]
View answerThe Pathways to Work document states that the introduction of the new Intreo service is a multi-annual project with all Department Local Offices upgraded to full Intreo offices by the end of 2014. The delivery of the Intreo service comprises a number of elements. the main elements being:
i. The integration of the various welfare decision making processes to speed up decision making and minimise recourse to supplementary welfare payments.
ii. The implementation of a systematic activation process based on profiling of clients
iii. The delivery of a ‘one-stop-shop’ service from an integrated office location.
The first ten Intreo offices, with all elements in place, went live in 2012. These first ten offices were Sligo, Arklow, Tallaght, Kings Inns, Ballymun, Buncrana, Coolock, Dundalk, Finglas and Killarney. A further two Intreo offices have now opened in Newcastlewest and Blanchardstown. It is intended have the full service available from a total of c 40 offices this year and to complete the full roll-out of all service elements to all 63 offices of the Department in 2014. As part of this process it is intended to complete the roll-out of elements (i) and (ii) above to all offices during 2013. Element (iii) requires infrastructural works in many office locations and therefore has a longer timeline. The plans for the remainder of 2013 are now being finalised and details of the office locations to which the new service will be rolled out will be published in due course.
