Community welfare officers are under severe pressure throughout the country with the roll-out of a huge increase in exceptional needs payments due to the energy crisis. Many citizens who would not otherwise have experience of the system now have to try to get assistance. In Donegal the system is stretched to the limit with sick leave. We now also have a case involving a full-time carer living in Bundoran who has been directed to Letterkenny for a local service. That is a distance of almost 75 km. There does not appear to have been any step up in support for the service in recognition of the increased demand created by the current crisis. Surely any Department would recognise that there would be an increase in demand and a need for extra staff. Will the Government ensure additional community welfare officers are provided to meet the increased demand for the service?

There has been an expansion of demand for the service. The recent enhanced communications around additional needs mean many more people are applying for and receiving assistance. That also reflects the general situation around energy pricing and inflation. Prior to that, the service had moved online for many people, many of whom now access payments online. I take the Deputy’s point that in some instances that is not always possible. I know the Minister for Social Protection is working on this to get the balance right between local access and facilitating people to apply as seamlessly as they can.