Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
688. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 454 of 25 October 2022, the reason a person (details supplied) was told ‘there are no community welfare appointments in Tallaght since 2020’ as this is contradictory to the reply she provided. [55054/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Welfare Officers (CWOs) based in the Tallaght Intreo Centre have been available to meet with citizens during office opening hours daily, Monday to Friday. It is regrettable in this instance that the person concerned received incorrect information and did not receive a prompt service.
Following your representation, a CWO has contacted the person concerned to discuss what assistance my Department can provide to her. The person has been advised to apply for a basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance and an Exceptional Needs Payment. When the completed application form and supporting documentation is received by my Department, the person’s claims will be processed promptly.
It may be useful to know that 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 make an appointment. This appointment can be arranged within a short time of a person requiring such a meeting, at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home. The introduction of a national CWS freephone line, means a customer doesn’t have to attend an office in person to make a claim or to make an enquiry about a claim if that is more convenient for them. A customer can speak directly with a CWO when they call the CWS freephone line.
A person’s case can also be escalated if urgent local action is required, such as an immediate cheque payment. Where it is clear a person has an immediate need, every effort is made to ensure they receive a payment on the same day.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
