Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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350. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of full-time community welfare officers based in County Tipperary in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to-date in 2022, in tabular form. [60391/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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There are currently 14 (WTE 13.3) Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) based in County Tipperary.

Given the fluctuation in demand for the Community Welfare Service, particularly during the pandemic when resources were allocated to areas where they were most needed, staffing numbers within locations changed frequently.  Therefore, it is not possible to provide accurate information relating to number of CWOs for years prior to 2022.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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351. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason that scheduling changes were made in the community welfare service in Carrick-on-Suir in recent months, leaving no community welfare service available for walk-in and emergency cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60411/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In January 2022, a commitment was given to have an on-duty Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) available in all major Intreo Centres.  In order to deliver this level of service in the Clonmel Intreo Centre, it was necessary deploy resources to Clonmel that had been temporarily assigned to Carrick-on-Suir. 

It is important to note that the CWOs in Clonmel can facilitate an urgent or scheduled meeting with a client at a mutually agreed location, including at the Carrick-on-Suir Social Welfare Branch Office or the client’s home.  An appointment can be setup within a short of time of a request, usually on the same day. 

In addition, it is now possible for a client to make a claim, or to make an enquiry about a claim without attending in person if it is more convenient for them.  Customers can contact the Community Welfare Service (CWS) through the CWS freephone line at 0818 60 70 80.  This enhances the local service to people as phoneline cases can be escalated quickly if urgent local action is required, such as a need for an immediate cheque payment.  Where it is clear a person has an urgent need, every effort is made to ensure they receive a payment that day.  Customers can also contact the local CWS by email at SouthTippCWS@welfare.ie.

A person can make an application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) by completing a SWA1 form, which is widely available.  It can be downloaded at www.gov.ie.  It is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices.  It can also be requested by email, by phone and by using the Request Application Form page available on www.gov.ie.  The completed application form should be returned to the Department where it will be processed quickly.

If the Deputy is aware of any constituent who has experienced difficulty in accessing the CWS, I would ask that he brings this to the attention of my Department.

The CWS continues to provide local access to local CWOs in local areas right across the country and I have no plans to change this aspect of the service. 

I trust this clarifies the matter.