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

As we all know, CWOs do everything they can to help people. We absolutely value them and the delivery of this service is a priority for me and for my Department. I want to ensure people can get support when they are in need. That is why we had the major communications campaign to raise awareness of the availability of the additional needs payment. In 2022 97,000 applications were made.

A freephone service is available for people who cannot make it to the office. There are a number of different ways in which people can apply for the payment. They can do so online, as I said, a national freephone contact line is available, they can go the Intreo offices which are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. five days a week, and in exceptional circumstances, if people need someone to call to their houses, it can be arranged. The CWO will call out to see them. My Department is working on an online additional needs application processvia themywelfare.ie system. The provision of the additional needs payment online application will ensure that those who wish to access the scheme online, including providing supporting documentation, will be able to do so. It is expected the online option will be up and running by the end of quarter 1. I am aware the Deputy raised this matter with me previously and I have followed up on it.

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