Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

573. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which community welfare services remain readily accessible in all areas throughout County Kildare with particular reference to meeting out of hours and emergency needs in circumstances in which it is necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26921/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Community Welfare Services in County Kildare are administered by the Mid-Leinster Division (Naas, Newbridge, Athy and surrounding areas) and the Dublin Central Division (Leixlip, Maynooth, Celbridge, Kilcock and surrounding areas).

In the Mid-Leinster Division and Dublin Central Division areas, customers may contact the Community Welfare Service through their local Intreo Centre, by telephone or by post. For telephone enquiries, customers may leave a message with their contact details at any time. All telephone calls are responded to within one working day. Enquiries are followed up by appointments or home visits as appropriate.

Emergencies are responded to as they arise, a recent example being during Storm Emma and the subsequent serious snowfall when Community Welfare Officers, despite all Department offices being closed, maintained a mobile service for customers and responded to emergency situations such as provision of shelter, fuel supplies, etc.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.