Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Like other speakers, I welcome today's budget, which will protect families, individuals and businesses and invest in social infrastructure. It is important.

I would like to raise with the Leader the ongoing closure of the Dublin 7 Intreo office. It is located on the Navan Road at Cabra Cross and serves Cabra, Phibsboro, Stoneybatter and the general Dublin 7 area, with a population of more than 10,000 people. It was closed last year for refurbishments and upgrading, but has remained closed. It was an important service for people in need of help.

There are significant increases in today's budget, with double welfare payments for children's allowance, pensions and invalidity and disability allowances. That is really important. However, if somebody wants to apply for an additional needs, an exceptional needs or a supplementary welfare payment, he or she cannot make such an application online. People living in Dublin 7 have to go into Parnell Street or apply via post. At a time of a cost-of-living crisis, people need welfare supports. It is disappointing that the Department of Social Protection has not reopened the office. I would appreciate if the Leader could ask Minister for Social Protection to meet the local community to talk about the future of the office and its reopening.