Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
332. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection how he is alleviating the difficulties facing persons in west County Wicklow accessing his Department's services, officials and payments since the closure of the social protection office in Blessington, County Wicklow. [11820/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has not operated local office or inspectorate services from the Wicklow county council offices in Blessington since April 2014. Those customers who require inspectorate services are now interviewed at the Intreo Centre Tallaght or if required, a member of the inspectorate’s staff will arrange to visit a customer in their home.
New jobseeker and one parent family applications were always obliged to make such applications at the Intreo Centre Tallaght and can continue to do so.
The Community Welfare Service (CWS) similarly ceased to operate from that office in June 2014, when at that time a clinic was held one morning per week. Since that date customers can now access the CWS by appointment five days per week at the Intreo Centre in Tallaght. A customer can make an appointment in person, by telephoning 01-4629400, by email to CWSTallaght@welfare.ie, or by post. If required, a member of the CWS staff will arrange to visit a customer in their home.
The impact of these changes has been monitored on an ongoing basis with no issues raised to date.
