Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will respond to the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding Clondalkin social welfare office; the steps she has taken to deal with the queuing at this office; and if she will ensure that there is adequate seating and waiting facilities for members of the public. [31862/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The unprecedented increase in the claimload at the Clondalkin office in the past 18 months (claimload increased by 8,825) has put a lot of extra pressure on the service at the office. The office has limited public space and counter space is very restricted. Urgent efforts continue to be made to reduce queuing times and to alleviate congestion both outside the building and on the public floor. The office opens at 9.30 a.m. and the opening hours have been extended at lunchtime to provide more access for customers. Extra seating was provided recently in the public area and additional signing sessions have been arranged to alleviate congestion on signing days.

The office is scheduled to undergo significant renovations in November 2009. New interview rooms and additional public floor space with seating will be provided on the first floor. These renovations will also facilitate the introduction of an appointment system for customers making new or repeat claims. These customers will be given a designated time, date and hatch to have their application processed. The Department is also giving priority to the provision of a local office in Lucan and efforts are ongoing to secure suitable accommodation there. Some 30% of the claimload at the Clondalkin office is from the Lucan area and the provision of a local office in Lucan will greatly relieve the congestion problems in Clondalkin.