Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the Employment Exchange Office, King Street, Loughrea, County Galway will be restored and re-opened to the public; the reason it was closed, without notice causing hardship to persons using the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30071/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The office at King Street Loughrea had to be closed, from Friday 2 November, 2007, for Health and Safety reasons. It is not possible to develop the premises to the standard required by my Department for customers, or staff and consequently the Office of Public Works have been pursuing alternative accommodation. It is expected that a new office will be ready for occupation early in the New Year.

Customers were advised of the closure of the office and were given details of how to conduct their business with my Department until the new office opens. Local Office services are being provided from Galway. Unemployed customers in the Loughrea area are not required to travel to Galway to sign the live register each month, but may do so by post instead. All phone calls to the old office are automatically directed to Galway at no additional cost to the customer and a dedicated direct line is also available. My Department also has two Social Welfare Inspectors located in Loughrea, who continue to provide their full range of services and information. Any inconvenience caused to customers is regretted.