Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised the issue of the online application and that is why we are working on doing that. My officials are seeing how we can put it online for some people. I am trying to make it as easy as possible for people to access this payment. I understand some people do not want to have to meet somebody so we have a central phone line. If somebody cannot go to an Intreo office, he or she can ring up and make an appointment and the community welfare officer can visit the house, if that is what is needed. A person can phone or email the community welfare officer. I have tried to make it as accessible as possible because this payment and support is the State safety net to help people who run into difficulty and need it. It is targeted at those on social welfare and low-income families. I encourage anybody having difficulties to contact their community welfare officer. Everybody is experiencing an increase in the cost of living and there is no shame in doing it.

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