In addition to its own network of offices, the Department delivers a front-line service to the public at various locations throughout the country through a network of Branch Offices. Each Branch Office is operated under a contract for services by a Branch Manager who acts as an agent for the Department in that particular location.
When a Branch Manager position becomes vacant, a review of the delivery of services in the location is undertaken. If it is decided that the service should continue by way of Branch Office, a competition to select a Branch Manager is held and the position is advertised in local and national newspapers. In the case of Ballinrobe Branch Office, the review of the service provided by the office is still ongoing.