Written answers

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Department of Social Protection

Community Welfare Services

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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44. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the analysis completed on the functioning of the community welfare services where face-to-face clinics were withdrawn previously, for example, Clane, County Kildare; how many of the 24 hour commitments were maintained; how many were longer than 48 hours; how the clients were catered for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7496/16]

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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46. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans for the resources she gains following the closure of community welfare services that are open to the public, including office spaces, equipment and full-time equivalent resources; how she intends to redeploy these; if she intends to allocate offices for other use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7498/16]

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 46 together.

Following the transfer of the Community Welfare Service (CWS) from the Health Service Executive to the Department in 2011, the Department has re-engineered its business model and staffing resources to support the provision of integrated services across all business streams involved in the delivery of localised services. This included transferring CWS staff into case officer roles to meet activation commitments under the Pathways to Work Programme. As part of this strategy, the Department is engaged in the delivery of integrated Intreo centres, which provide a full range of services, including the CWS, generally available in one location.

CWS clinics were generally operating from Health Service Executive (HSE) premises. Where CWS service delivery has been structured these services are now being provided from Departmental offices. Premises, furniture and other equipment that remained in the ownership of the HSE were retained by that Agency. The staffing and office requirements for all areas within the Department are continuously reviewed in the context of the ongoing development of integrated services, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes operated by the Department.

A number of changes were made in January 2014 in relation to the delivery of CWS in the South Kildare/West Wicklow area including Clane. Service had traditionally been provided as a walk-in-service in local clinics one or two mornings per week for limited hours. From January 2014 the CWS in the South Kildare/West Wicklow area were restructured to three main centres: Naas, Newbridge and Athy. This service is accessible by telephone call, followed up by appointments and home visits as required. There is a commitment that all customers will have their telephone call returned within one working day. This has eliminated the need for unnecessary travel to Department offices. Emergency cases are prioritised and dealt with appropriately. All clients were notified of the changes, including the new extended service times and contact details.

Approximately 1,500 telephone phone enquiries are received each month in the South Kildare/West Wicklow area. While statistics are not maintained on the number of telephone calls returned within the commitment of one working day, feedback from staff indicates that this is the case. However, if the Deputy is aware of any case where difficulties have arisen regarding the level of service provided she should provide details to the Department for review.

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