P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 367: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he is committed to the reopening of the social welfare branch office in Dunmanway; the steps that have been taken by his Department to ensure that the social welfare branch office in Dunmanway will be re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23878/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Due to the sad and untimely death of the Branch Manager in Dunmanway an arrangement had to be put in place immediately to ensure continuity of service to customers. The number of customers involved include approximately 230 in receipt of a jobseekers payment and a further 120 on farm assist, back to work and pre retirement allowance. These customers are being facilitated by neighbouring local offices and branch offices closest to where they live.

In keeping with normal procedures when a branch office post becomes vacant, a review of the delivery of social welfare services in the area served by the branch office is undertaken to determine the most effective way of providing these services in the future. The review in respect of Dunmanway is expected to be completed in a month or so.