Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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578. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the closure of the social welfare office in Castlepollard, County Westmeath will be reconsidered (details supplied). [5430/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Department currently has 58 Social Welfare Branch Offices at various locations throughout the country. Each Branch Office is operated and managed, under a contract for services, by a Branch Manager who is required to act as an agent for the Department in the area served by the office. Branch Office managers operate on a contract for service and are independent contractors.

The Contract for the delivery of Branch Office services in Castlepollard is due to expire on 9 February 2018. The Department is currently engaging in a process to enhance services across the branch office network in order to ensure that an efficient and quality public service which properly reflects customer needs is provided. In the interim period, I have decided, on an exceptional basis, to offer to extend the term of the Contract for a maximum period of 12 months from the date of expiration of the Contract, i.e. to 8 February 2019.

I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.