Written answer
Social Welfare Benefits
Laois is served by Social Welfare offices in Portlaoise, Rathdowney and Portarlington, with employment and welfare services also available remotely and online through MyWelfare, phone and National Intreo services. The Department said it continues to review access to ensure timely service but announced no specific expansion.
84. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection the plans in place to enhance and expand Social Welfare and Intreo Services in County Laois to match local population growth to ensure timely access for claimants. [67396/26]
Comment on this
The people of Laois are currently served by Social Welfare Branch Offices in Portlaoise, Rathdowney and Portarlington. Community Welfare Service and the Social Welfare Inspectorate are based in Government Buildings in Portlaoise. The Department’s Employment Support Service and Employer Relation teams are based in JFL House in Portlaoise.
These services provide access to a broad range of supports, including employment services, income supports and the Community Welfare Service. Depending on the service required, customers can engage with the Department either by appointment or through the walk-in facilities available at the relevant office.
Client Identity Services (registration for Public Service Cards) are provided in Portlaoise, Rathdowney and Portarlington Branch Offices. Appointments for processing PPSN applications are provided at Portlaoise Branch Office.
While direct, face-to-face contact remains an important part of the department’s service to customers, there are a number of alternative ways in which people in County Laois can access supports without having to travel to any of these offices Centre. In particular, the department’s online services provide customers with convenient access to employment and income-support services from their own homes.
Through MyWelfare, customers can apply for a range of schemes and payments, manage existing claims and submit supporting information or documentation electronically. The majority of applications for Jobseekers payments are made online. Paper applications continue to be available for customers who prefer or require that option.
Employment services can also be delivered remotely where appropriate. This includes access to online Group Information Sessions, which provide customers with information on employment supports, services and opportunities available to assist them in returning to employment. Customers can also engage on a one-to-one basis with Employment Personal Advisers, including through remote and online engagement where appropriate. This enables people in County Laois to receive personalised employment guidance and activation supports without necessarily having to attend in person.
Customers who need assistance from the Community Welfare Service may access the service in person and also by contacting the National Community Welfare Service by freephone. They can speak directly with a Community Welfare Officer by telephone where an in-person meeting is not required.
Alternatively, all scheme areas in my department are contactable by phone. Telephone queries relating to Intreo services are dealt with by the National Intreo Contact Centre, which is available to support customers with their queries on 0818 405060 from 8.15am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Customers can find contact details, including phone numbers and emails, for all other DSP schemes and services on my department's www.Gov.ie site.
The Department continues to keep access to services under review to ensure timely access for customers.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.