Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe the increases introduced to deal with the cost of living were enough. Many people in low-paid jobs and on fixed incomes, including social welfare payments, are going really feel the pinch. Community welfare officers used to be based in the HSE and in the community. They were then moved into the Department of Social Protection and Intreo offices, so they are a fair distance from the community now. Many people do not even know they can approach community officers if they are really stuck with a bill or whatever. I would like to hear the Minister's insight into that. Is there a specific amount of money allocated to the community welfare offices to deal with exceptional needs or are they still dealt with on a case-by-case basis? Are community welfare officers restricted in what they can allocate moneys for? Given the situation we are in, should those officers not be closer to the community, perhaps based in the Money Advice & Budgeting Service, MABS, or a similar body, to improve access to exceptional needs payments? My experience from my constituency office is that many people are trying to get through to the Intreo offices and finding it impossible to do so.

The telephone repeatedly rings out. One person was an hour on the telephone and gave up. This particular area could play a crucial role in supporting people who are really stuck with regard to paying bills and paying for food, medical needs and the like. I hope I will hear from the Minister about setting up an emergency fund, which I believe the Government was talking about at one stage but did not come through with. Hardship and emergency funds should be delivered by community welfare officers in the community so people can access them more easily. What is the Minister's opinion on that?