Written answers
Tuesday, 8 November 2022
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Community Welfare Services
Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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689. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of community welfare officers employed in each location in County Mayo in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55056/22]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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There are currently 12 (full-time equivalent 10.80) Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in County Mayo.
CWOs are currently based in the following Intreo Centres in County Mayo:
| Intreo Centre | No. of CWOs | Full-time Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Achill | 1 | 1 |
| Ballina | 3 | 2.5 |
| Castlebar | 7 | 6.3 |
| Westport | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 12 | 10.8 |
A CWO is available to meet with customers living in County Mayo at the locations listed below. CWOs can facilitate an appointment within a short time of a person requiring such a meeting, at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home.
- Ballina Intreo Centre
- Castlebar Intreo Centre
- Westport Intreo Centre
- Achill Intreo Centre
- Belmullett Intreo Centre
- Ballinrobe Branch Office
- Claremorris Branch Office
- Swinford Branch Office
Any person who needs to access the Community Welfare Service (CWS) can call the national CWS freephone phoneline, which is available at 0818 60 70 80, to make an appointment. This appointment can be arranged within a short time of a person requiring such a meeting, at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home. The introduction of a national CWS freephone line, means a customer doesn’t have to attend an office in person to make a claim, or to make an enquiry about a claim if that is more convenient for them. A customer can speak directly with a CWO when they call the CWS freephone line.
A customer’s case can also be escalated if urgent local action is required, such as an immediate cheque payment. Where it is clear a person has an immediate need, every effort is made to ensure they receive a payment on the same day.
The delivery of a locally based Community Welfare Service remains and will continue to remain a cornerstone of the service.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
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