Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
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666. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of WTE community welfare officers based in Donegal in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39657/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The delivery of vital locally based Community Welfare Services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens across the country is a priority for me and for my Department.  The Community Welfare Service (CWS) provides a flexible service to meet the different needs of people, who may find themselves in a financially difficult or vulnerable situation.  It is a priority that this service is easily accessible and responsive to our client’s needs.

Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) are physically on site daily in over 50 locations across the country where they are available without an appointment, during business hours, Monday to Friday.  In addition to meeting people in Intreo Centres and Department of Social Protection offices, 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.  This reflects my commitment to continue to support the delivery of locally based services.

The number of working time equivalent (WTE) CWOs engaged in the delivery of Community Welfare Services in Donegal in 2024 and to June 2025 are as follows: