Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to open a new social welfare office in Lucan County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28295/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of office accommodation for the Department of Social Protection.

The Department is currently in discussions with the OPW with regard to seeking accommodation to serve the Lucan area. Jobseeker claims for people living in the Lucan area are administered by the Social Welfare Local Office in Clondalkin. Signing-on for the majority of jobseeker's occurs once in any 4-week period. However, to avoid the necessity for people in Lucan to travel to Clondalkin, they may sign-on at a signing centre in Lucan village.

The signing centre in Lucan was open 2 days per month. However, with the increasing numbers claiming Jobseeker's payments, this has been increased to 4 days per month. The Department is keeping this arrangement under review. The Department is giving priority to the provision of a local office in Lucan and efforts are ongoing to secure suitable accommodation there as soon as possible.