Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to open a second social welfare office in Lucan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22382/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There are no plans at present to open a second social welfare office in Lucan. 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 a 4-week period. However, to avoid the necessity for people in Lucan to travel to Clondalkin, the Department opened a signing centre in Lucan village.

That signing centre was initially 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 will continue to keep the arrangements for serving the Lucan area under review, in consultation with the Office of Public Works, which is responsible for the acquisition of all accommodation requirements for the Department.