Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1120. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection when the dedicated Houses of the Oireachtas lines of communication with her Department will be reopened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39630/21]
View answerMy Department provides a dedicated mailbox for each of the main schemes whereby Teachtaí Dála can raise specific queries for their constituents directly with the relevant scheme area. These mailboxes are monitored every day and have been operating efficiently and effectively to provide quick responses on queries raised.
With the onset of COVID-19, the imposition of social distancing meant that my Department had to reduce the number of staff working from within the traditional office environment. Large numbers of scheme administration staff are now successfully working from home. My Department has been able to redirect work to them electronically and overall productivity has been maintained at pre-COVID levels.
While the main Customer Call Centres were maintained, the operation of the scheme level TD Enquiry lines had to be suspended in some areas. This is being kept under ongoing review and as and when social distancing measures are eased and more staff can work safely in the Department's offices, I hope to be in a position to reintroduce these enquiry lines.
Some areas of my Department have been in a position to reintroduce the TD enquiry line sooner than others and as they are reintroduced details are being made available to Deputies.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
