Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
27. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Social Protection the additional supports that will be allocated to each Intreo office for those arriving from Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14846/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection is prioritising the allocation of Public Personal Service numbers (PPSNs) to people arriving from Ukraine and the immediate provision of income supports.
A reception centre has been set up in Dublin Airport where officials from the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Justice are available to meet people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The Department has also established a number of additional dedicated centres in Dublin and Cork cities and intends to open a further centre in Limerick this week.
Those who have already arrived in the country or arrive without coming through a reception centre are invited to call into their local Intreo or local office to apply for a personal public service number, supplementary welfare allowance and child benefit if applicable.
In all of the above settings, a fast-track approach to processing these supports has been put in place. This approach includes a simplified decision-making process and quick processing of PPSNs to allow people access to public services without delay. Resources have been made available to prioritise these claims with the aim of processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible to provide immediate financial assistance. We have also arranged for payments such as child benefit to be made within a very short period.
