Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
658. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of community welfare officer posts that are currently vacant in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54773/22]
View answerThere are currently 11 (10.50 full-time equivalent) Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in County Donegal.
CWOs are available to facilitate urgent and in-person meetings in the Buncrana, Dungloe and Letterkenny Intreo Centres, 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday. In addition, a person can meet a CWO by appointment in DSP offices in Ballyshannon, Donegal, Ballybofey, Dunfanaghy and Moville. CWOs can facilitate an appointment within a short time of a person requiring such a meeting, at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home.
A person’s case can be escalated if urgent local action is required, such as an immediate cheque payment. Where it is clear a person has an immediate need, every effort is made to ensure they receive a payment on the same day.
There are currently two CWO posts vacant in County Donegal. Work in my Department is underway to fill these vacancies as quickly as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
