Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, who cannot be here this evening. She has asked me to respond.

A key objective of the transfer of the community welfare service, CWS, from the Health Service Executive to the Department of Social Protection on 1 October 2011 was to provide a streamlined and consistent service to the customer. As part of this process and to support the Department's activation commitments under the Pathways to Work programme and the development of Intreo services nationally, it has been necessary to review the administration of all services, including the CWS. Pathways to Work involves the provision of opportunities, support and assistance to unemployed people by intensifying the Department's level of engagement with them, particularly those who are or become long-term unemployed. The Intreo service delivery model offers practical, tailored employment services and supports for jobseekers. This new service model, which is more efficient in its delivery, is being rolled out across the country. Roll-out is due to be completed for all offices by the end of 2014. Speaking as Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, I understand we will be up to 62 by the end of the year. The most recent completion was in Castlebar.

To maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of operation and to ensure continuity of service in light of reducing resources in County Mayo, a decision was made to relocate the CWS to five dedicated locations where Intreo centres will operate. These locations are at Achill, Ballina, Belmullet, Castlebar and Westport. A full range of services will be available at single locations in these places. In the coming weeks, up to eight staff drawn primarily from the CWS will take up new roles as activation case officers supporting those who are unemployed across County Mayo. Where the CWS is being re-structured, alternative arrangements are being put in place to ensure customers are provided with ongoing access to the supports provided by the service. In general, this means the frequency of available public clinics has increased, an improved and enhanced telephone service is available, and alternative arrangements are in place for those who cannot travel due, for example, to illness. These arrangements include visits to the client's home if necessary. Customers who live closer to clinics in other counties can also be accommodated by visiting those clinics instead and practical local arrangements can be made in this regard. I hope, therefore, that the issue the Deputy raised can be resolved.

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