Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
726. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the nature of any data collected by her Department relating to social welfare inspectors making home visits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42915/21]
View answer727. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of home visits carried out by social welfare inspectors in 2020 by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42916/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 726 and 727 together.
As part of my Department's obligations to ensure proper delivery of its service and compliance with the various scheme conditions, Social Welfare Inspectors are required to carry out a range of inspections. The appointment and duties of Social Welfare Inspectors are provided for in Section 250 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005. These outline the requirement for a claimant to give an inspector information and any documents that s/he may require for the purposes of an investigation.
The social welfare inspector considers what investigative approach is required and is most appropriate to the case including desk-based assessments of customer claims, face-to-face interviews with customers, home visits, and audits of employers’ PRSI records.
The nature of the data collected is contingent on the scheme for which an application is being made. If, for example, eligibility for the scheme involves a means assessment, then information and data necessary to assess means will be sought. This might include details of earnings and/or income from employment or self-employment, or details of assets such as capital or property.
My Department has a Customer Charter in place which sets out what a customer should expect when they contact, or are contacted by, the Department. Inspectors operate under a code of practice which sets out the manner in which they are required to deal with customers. The code requires that customers must at all times be treated equally, fairly, with respect and dignity, as outlined in the Customer Charter.
As regards the information sought by the Deputy on the number of home visits carried out by social welfare inspectors in 2020 by county, it is not possible to provide this as this information is not collated by the Department. Where appropriate, details of home visits by Social Welfare Inspectors may be included in individual case reports. Statistical information is not available from this source.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
