Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
455. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeframe for the social welfare office in a location (details supplied) being reopened fully; and if she will meet with the relevant stakeholders. [25743/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department currently has 58 Branch Offices at various locations throughout the country. Each contracted Branch Office is operated and managed under a contract for services, by a Branch Manager who is required to act as an agent for the Department in the area served by the office. Branch Office Managers operate on a contract for service and are independent contractors.
The contract for the delivery of Branch Office services in Castlepollard was due to expire on the 8th of February 2023. However, on March 21st, 2022, the Branch Manager informed the Department of his intention to retire due to extenuating circumstances. A 3-month notice period is normally required in these circumstances, which would have allowed for service to be provided by the Branch Manager until June 2022.
On the 6th April 2022, at the request of the Branch Manager and his representatives, the Department waived the 3-month notice period, and the decision to close the office in Castlepollard on Friday 8th April 2022 was made.
The Department has a notice in the former premises to advise customers of the closure and those affected can contact our Intreo Centre in Mullingar by phone (044) 935092 or by emailing mullingar@welfare.ie.
In addition, staff from Mullingar Intreo are also available in the County Council Offices, Mullingar Road, Castlepollard on Tuesday and Wednesday every week from 09.30 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00 to provide an outreach service for customers. This service is operating since April 12th, 2022.
All options for the continued delivery of services in the Castlepollard area are being examined. In the meantime, the interim arrangements which have been put in place will ensure that the Department continues to provide a quality service to citizens in Castlepollard and the surrounding area.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
