Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Community welfare officers are under severe pressure throughout the country with the roll-out of a huge increase in exceptional needs payments due to the energy crisis. Many citizens who would not otherwise have experience of the system now have to try to get assistance. In Donegal the system is stretched to the limit with sick leave. We now also have a case involving a full-time carer living in Bundoran who has been directed to Letterkenny for a local service. That is a distance of almost 75 km. There does not appear to have been any step up in support for the service in recognition of the increased demand created by the current crisis. Surely any Department would recognise that there would be an increase in demand and a need for extra staff. Will the Government ensure additional community welfare officers are provided to meet the increased demand for the service?

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