Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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116. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if more suitable premises will be allocated for a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36971/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department of Social Protection delivers front office services to customers in the area concerned via a Social Welfare Branch Office. Branch Offices are operated by Branch Managers who are contracted by the Department to deliver its services in locations where the Department does not have an Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Local Office.

The Department is committed to the provision of suitable and accessible public offices that ensures privacy and comply with occupational health and safety standards and which facilitate access for customers with disabilities and others with specific needs.

This commitment to the delivery of quality customer services also applies to Branch Offices. Each Branch Manager, under the terms of their contract, is required to provide appropriate accommodation, commensurate with the size of the customer base and to the satisfaction of divisional management of the Department.

The Department is liaising, on an ongoing basis, with Branch Managers regarding the provision of accommodation and will continue with efforts to ensure that suitable facilities for customers are provided in all locations.