Written answers

Wednesday, 29 March 2017

Department of Social Protection

Departmental Staff

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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113. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if there will be in increase in the number of community welfare officers employed in the Drogheda Intreo centre in view of the recent closure of clinics (details supplied) all of which will see an increase in the already large volume of work the officers have in the Drogheda office. [15636/17]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Duleek and Laytown clinic is being relocated to Drogheda Intreo Centre from 3 April 2017.

The staffing needs for all areas within the Department are continuously reviewed, 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.

The community welfare service claimload for Drogheda, Duleek and Laytown areas has reduced by over 20% during the period March 2016 to March 2017. The claimload includes basic supplementary welfare allowance, rent supplement, exceptional needs payment and other supplements provided under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme. People claiming supports under SWA generally only interact with the Department on an occasional basis, for example, when seeking an exceptional needs payment or in claiming additional supports such as rent supplement, which are usually reviewed once to twice yearly.

Since 2013 the demand for community welfare services in these areas has reduced by 60% in line with the economic recovery. The reduction in the number of SWA recipients can be attributed to improved processing times in determining entitlement to weekly social welfare schemes, the overall reduction in the Live Register and the general improvement in the economy.

In this regard local management is satisfied that the team in Drogheda Intreo Centre is sufficiently resourced to continue to deliver a quality customer service. My officials will continue to monitor claim loads and staffing levels across all services in Drogheda, South Louth and East Meath.

I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. I know that you have been in contact with my office and officials on this matter. If you require any further clarity on this issue please do not hesitate to contact my office again.

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