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

When you get all the information in an application straight away, it can be dealt with very fast, which Deputy will appreciate. Where additional information is needed, we know it holds things up a bit. It is taxpayers' money. We just cannot throw it out there. We must have some checks and balances. If they were dragging their heels, you would not see the huge increase in awarded payments that we have seen. If additional staffing resources are needed, my Department will not be found wanting. During the pandemic, we moved staff around to meet demand when there are pressures in certain areas. We have community welfare officers in 51 Intreo centres across the country. They can talk to people over the phone, meet people in the local branch, and they can even arrange to meet people in their own home by appointment if that is needed. As stated, we are looking at setting up the online system so people can apply directly for an additional needs payment. In fairness to the staff and community welfare officers in the Department of Social Protection, they certainly did not let us down during the pandemic and they are not going to let us down now either, because they want to help people and that is what they are here for.

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