Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Social Protection his plans to open a further social welfare office in Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48001/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of office accommodation for the Department of Social Protection. The Department has requested the OPW to give a high priority to the provision of a new local office to serve the Lucan area.

Jobseeker claims for people living in the Lucan area are administered by the Social Welfare Local Office in Clondalkin. Signing-on for the majority of jobseekers occurs 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 was open 2 days per month. However, with the increasing numbers claiming Jobseeker's payments, this was increased to 4 days and subsequently to 5 days per month since July 2010. The Department is keeping this arrangement under review.