Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
379. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if all applicants for a supplementary welfare allowance payment are entitled to an in-person meeting with a community welfare officer to assist with applications for same. [34799/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Welfare Service of my Department delivers the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme which is the safety net within the overall social welfare system. This scheme provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
The Deputy can be assured that I am committed to a Community Welfare Service (CWS) that is a flexible service which meets the varied needs of vulnerable people and continues to provide local access to a CWO.
CWOs can facilitate emergency and in-person meetings in 51 Intreo Centres across business hours, five days per week. Some CWOs are based in Social Welfare Branch Offices and provide appointments at those offices. A person can be seen by appointment in any Branch Office.
In addition to meeting citizens in Intreo Centres, Branch Offices and DSP offices, Community Welfare Officers can facilitate an appointment within an hour with a person at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home.
As part of my continued commitment to improve the CWS across the country, citizens no longer have to meet in person with a CWO to make a claim. Application forms are available on www.gov.ie and at any Intreo Centre or Branch Office.
Consultations with a CWO are available via phone, at our offices and if needed a direct home visit appointment can be arranged depending on the person's need. All applications for assistance are dealt with promptly by officials.
This change is a significant enhancement to the service offered to citizens as it means that those who require assistance no longer need to visit an office or wait to make a claim or wait to access the service.
I am fully committed to developing and enhancing access to the Community Welfare Service nationwide, and to ensuring that the service is responsive to customer needs particularly in a time of crisis or emergency.
