Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I thank the Deputy, and I can hear that this is an issue of real concern for her and the people involved. I thank her for raising the matter. I wish to assure the Deputy that the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is kept under review. The issue is to ensure it continues to support those most in need of assistance.

The delivery of crucial community welfare services to meet the challenges and needs of citizens across the country remains a priority for the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and his Department. As I said, I will bring this specific issue to his attention because it is important that the community welfare service remains an accessible, flexible and responsive service to meet the varied needs of vulnerable people, particularly in a time of crisis or emergency. I think that is what the Deputy is speaking of here this evening.

The Department of Social Protection is committed to a community welfare service that remains flexible to meet the varied needs of vulnerable people and the current availability of local access to a community welfare officer is a key feature of the service. Community welfare officers are available at over 50 Intreo centres nationwide. Consultations with community welfare officers can be arranged via phone or at their offices or a direct home visit can be facilitated depending on the customer's needs.

As I have already mentioned, the scheme is there to provide immediate and flexible assistance to those in need. Officers within the service are very experienced in assessing the needs of each applicant and providing the relevant payment for their specific needs. Any person who considers he or she may have an entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a national community welfare contact centre in place. I have the phone number here, but it is easy to find, and that will direct callers to the appropriate office. It is 0818 607 080.

If the Deputy has any particular cases, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, invites her to share those details with his office.

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