Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 900: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when renovation and upgrade works will take place at a Social Welfare office (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34059/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The maintenance and upgrade of Social Welfare offices is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW). The Department has been actively working with OPW regarding the renovation and upgrading of the Social Welfare office in Clondalkin. This work is due to commence in December next and is expected to be completed within 2 months of commencement.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 901: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will consider opening a Social Welfare office in an area (details supplied) in County Dublin to facilitate the people in that community who need to sign on for unemployment benefit and other assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34060/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of office accommodation for the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The Department is currently in discussions with the OPW with regard to seeking accommodation to serve the Lucan area.

Jobseeker claims for people living in the Lucan area are administered by the Social Welfare Local Office in Clondalkin. The majority of jobseekers are required to sign the Live Register once in any 4-week period. However, to avoid the necessity for people in Lucan to travel to Clondalkin, they may sign-on at a signing centre in Lucan village.The signing centre in Lucan is now open 4 days per month an increase on the two days which previously applied. The Department is keeping this arrangement under review. The Department is giving priority to the provision of a local office in Lucan and efforts are ongoing to secure suitable accommodation there as soon as possible.