Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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363. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she or her Department has plans to withdraw the walk-in community welfare service from locations other then Athy in County Kildare; the reason her Department might contemplate such action; if she will desist from taking such action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3583/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The changes made in restructuring the community welfare service in Athy and the reasons for the changes were outlined to the Deputy in my reply to PQs Nos. 123 of 23 January 2014 and 128 of 28 January 2014. Similar restructuring has taken place in other areas in the county and these are listed in the table below.

As I outlined in my previous replies, the community welfare service in the areas affected which was formerly available at walk-in clinics is now available Monday to Friday through initial telephone contact, which means the service can be delivered without the need to attend a clinic. Telephone calls are followed by appointments if necessary, home visit or application by post for non-urgent claims.

All calls are returned within one working day and emergency calls are prioritised. Where any customers are not able by reason of illness or disability to attend an appointment arrangements will be made to see them in their home.

The situation will be kept under constant review and will be examined in the context of resources available and service requirements into the future.

Contact details for the Community Welfare Service in the areas affected are as follows: