John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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367. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she is taking to resolve the backlog of applications for supplementary welfare allowance in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; and if the applications can be expedited. [56138/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that when the Community Welfare Service becomes aware that a customer has an urgent or immediate need, every effort is made to ensure that the person receives a prompt service.  Where possible, this is a same-day service.

Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) are available to facilitate urgent and in-person meetings in the Carlow and Kilkenny Intreo Centres, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.  In addition, 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.

If the Deputy is concerned about a particular case, I would ask that he brings this to the attention of my Department by emailing TDREPSCWS@welfare.ie or phoning the Oireachtas direct point of contact line at 01 462 4308.

30 Social Welfare Inspectors have been temporarily reassigned to the Community Welfare Service until February 2023 to assist with claims processing.  In addition, having received an increased staffing allocation during the estimates process, recruitment has commenced in the Department for additional staff to be assigned to the Community Welfare Service.  It is anticipated that all staff will be in place by February 2023.

The delivery of crucial community welfare services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens across the country is a priority for the Government and for the Department of Social Protection.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.