Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 October 2022
120. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection when the community welfare service will be reinstated to provide a walk-in community service in the newly refurbished unit in Killybegs, County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53692/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA CWO is available to meet with customers by appointment 5 days a week at the DSP office in Killybegs or where needed, arrange to visit a person’s house by appointment.
In addition any person who needs to access the Community Welfare Service (CWS) can call the national CWS freephone phoneline, which is available at 0818 60 70 80, to speak to a CWO or to make an appointment to meet at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home. In cases where urgent local action is required, such as an immediate cheque payment this is facilitated on the same day.
The application form, SWA1, is widely available. It can be downloaded at www.gov.ie. It is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also now be requested by emailing cwsforms@welfare.ie, by calling 0818 60 70 80 by or using the Request Application Form page available on www.gov.ie. The completed application form should be returned to the Department where it will be processed promptly.
The delivery of a locally based Community Welfare Service remains and will continue to remain a cornerstone of the service.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
