Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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636. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when she expects Intreo offices to reopen to the general public; the steps she has taken to ensure that those who need to contact their local Intreo office can do so in a timely and efficient manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21189/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Intreo Centres (ICs) are a single point of contact for all employment and income supports.  The Centres are designed to provide a streamlined approach, offering practical, tailored employment services and supports for jobseekers.

In the interest of continuing to observe the current public health advice in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and to safeguard both customers and staff, my Department reduced the Intreo Centres’ public opening hours.  These are emergency temporary measures and our opening hours are being kept under review in line with Government guidelines. 

ICs are currently open to the public on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.  However, staff are always available to provide assistance over the phone or through email.

On-line services are also available through the easy to use online portal www.mywelfare.ieto customers who wish to apply for income supports and / or obtain information on the services provided by my Department.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.