Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2013
118. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the continuation of Granard social welfare office, County Longford; if figures are available on the number of persons attending the office's Monday information and claim taking service; if the office will continue to operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33985/13]
View answerMy Department is continually monitoring and reviewing service delivery to ensure that services are delivered in the most effective and efficient manner to customers. In Granard, an information and claim-taking service has been provided by staff from Longford Social Welfare Local Office at the Social Welfare Inspector's office, Moxham St, Granard every Monday morning. On average 10 to 12 customers use this service. On average 4-6 customers avail of the claim-taking service in Granard each week.
The Department also delivers a community welfare service from the Health Centre in Granard every Wednesday morning and the Social Welfare Inspector holds an office morning every Tuesday. Customers seeking information can have their queries dealt with by the Department’s staff at these times. In addition to those services, the Citizen's Information Board, which is funded by the Department and provides information on public services, holds an outreach service at the Granard Information Centre, Main Street, Granard every Thursday morning. Having reviewed the provision of services and the level of demand in Granard, it has been decided to temporarily suspend the Monday service for the summer months, after which it will be reviewed.
