Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 114 together.

The Community Welfare Service (CWS) provides a flexible service to meet the different needs of clients, who may find themselves in a financially difficult or vulnerable situation. It is important that this service is easily accessible and responsive to our clients’ needs.

In County Laois, a Community Welfare Officer (CWO) is available to meet with clients in the following locations:

• Government Buildings Portlaoise (walk-in open service with no appointment needed, daily Monday to Friday during business hours).
• Rathdowney Branch Office (every second Thursday from 10am-12pm and/or by appointment as arranged).
• For other locations across Laois, where a CWO is not available on site, an appointment can be made and the CWO is available to travel out to meet customers anywhere in the county as required.

It is important to mention that a person does not need to meet with a CWO to make a claim and any person who needs to access the CWS can call the National CWS freephone number at 0818 60 70 80, to make an appointment to meet with a CWO locally or to speak directly to a CWO.

An 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. Alternatively, a person can speak with a CWO over the phone if they do not wish to travel to meet with a CWO in person. Currently the CWOs on the phoneline are dealing with over 4,300 callers per week. This service is proving very popular with clients in rural areas, including from Laois, who can have their needs met by speaking directly to a CWO on the phone, without the requirement to travel.

When the CWS becomes aware that a client 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.

A person can apply for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) payment by completing a SWA1 form, which is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices and can also be requested by calling the National CWS freephone line at 0818 60 70 80 or at www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. The completed application form should be returned to the CWS together with all supporting documentation. Alternatively, if a person has a verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.

The delivery of crucial and locally based Community Welfare Services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens in County Laois and across the country is a priority for me and my Department.

Records of face-to-face meetings that took place between CWOs and applicants for SWA are not held.

I trust this clarifies the matter.