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

The community welfare officers across the country are a great resource to the Department of the Social Protection. In my experience, I have always found them to be exceptionally helpful. They have always gone beyond the call of duty in trying to help people who need support at particular times in their lives.

As Deputy Doherty is aware, we started a very active media campaign to make people aware that this service is available. We have been running advertisements on radio and social media. We have constantly tried to raise awareness and get the message out.

I am sure the Deputy will have seen those advertisements himself through our constituency offices. I would appreciate the help of all Deputies to enable us to get out that message.

The community welfare service is closely monitored at all times and resources are deployed as necessary. As I said, other staff have been able to do some of the back-office work but the community welfare officers are there to meet people. They cannot be contacted by email or phone and I am working on an online application process. It takes some time to provide these services because they have to be designed. We are trying to make it as easy as possible for people to access the additional needs payment.

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