Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2023
186. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the withdrawal of the community welfare office service in Mountmellick, County Laois; if she will make appropriate arrangements to reinstate the service as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20847/23]
View answerThe delivery of crucial and locally based community welfare services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens in Mountmellick, Co. Laois and across the country is a priority for me and for my Department.
A Community Welfare Officer (CWO) is available to meet with citizens from Mountmellick during business hours Monday to Friday at my Department’s office in Portlaoise. If a person is unable to travel to Portlaoise, a CWO can meet with the person at a mutually agreed location, including at their home.
While local face-to-face engagement with clients continues to be a cornerstone of the community welfare service, it is important to mention that a person does not need to meet with a CWO to make an application and any person who needs to access the Community Welfare Service (CWS) can call the CWS National Contact Phoneline at 0818 60 70 80, to make an appointment or to speak directly to a CWO. A person can speak with a CWO over the phone if they do not wish to travel to meet with a CWO in person. CWS staff working on the phoneline are dealing with approximately 5,000 callers per month. This service is proving very popular with customers in rural areas, who can have their needs met without the requirement to travel.
A person can apply for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) payment by completing a SWA1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. A completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly.
A recent development to MyWelfare.ie means a person can apply online for an Additional Needs Payment (ANP). The provision of the ANP online application allows a person make an application online whilst also providing documentation in support of their claim.
The CWS continues to provide a flexible service to meet the different needs of customers, who may find themselves in a financially difficult or vulnerable situation. It is important that this service is easily accessible and responsive to our client’s needs.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
