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Social Welfare Offices

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (1054)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1054. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that the social welfare office in Castlepollard, County Meath has been closed; the person who made the decision to close the office; when the decision was made; the way that the decision was made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20451/22]

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Written answers

The Department currently has 58 Branch Offices at various locations throughout the country.  Each contracted Branch Office is operated and managed under a contract for services, by a Branch Manager who is required to act as an agent for the Department in the area served by the office.  Branch Office Managers operate on a contract for service and are independent contractors.

The contract for the delivery of Branch Office services in Castlepollard was due to expire on the 8th of February 2023.  However, on March 21st, 2022, the Branch Manager informed the Department of his intention to retire due to extenuating circumstances.  The continued provision of Social Welfare services to Castlepollard customers is a high priority issue and the Department will ensure that customers can continue to access supports online and in-person from the Departments offices in Blackhall, Mullingar.

This is an interim arrangement and all options for delivery of the Department’s services in the Castlepollard area are being examined.  The Department wishes to assure its customers that an efficient and quality public service, which properly reflects customer needs, will continue to be provided for all our customers in the Castlepollard area.

The Department has a notice in the existing premises to advise customers of the closure and those affected can contact our Intreo Centre in Mullingar by phone (044 9350921) or by emailing mullingar@welfare.ie.

Staff from Mullingar Intreo will be also available in the County Council Offices, Mullingar Road, Castlepollard on Tuesday and Wednesday every week from 09.30 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00 to provide an outreach service for customers.  This service has commenced from April 12th, 2022.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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