Robert Troy
Question:907. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the future of the social welfare sub-office in Castlepollard, County Westmeath. [1523/23]
View answerWednesday, 18 January 2023
Questions (907)
Written answers
No formal decision has yet been taken as to the opening of a new Social Welfare Branch Office dedicated to Castlepollard.
In the interim, the Department has put an outreach service in place in the County Council Offices, Mullingar Road, Castlepollard on Tuesday and Wednesday each week from 09.30 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00, since April 2022.
The outreach service is fully supported by the Mullingar Intreo Centre where customers are welcome to conduct their business by either attending in person, emailing mullingar@welfare.ie or by phone (044) 9350921. The Department’s services are also available through the Department’s digital & online channels (MyWelfare.ie).
It should be noted that, in the period since the closure of Castlepollard Branch Office and the introduction of an outreach service, the claimload has decreased by approx. 15%, from 728 to 616.
The effectiveness of this outreach service is subject to ongoing review.