68. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline the level of service his Department already provides within the town of Shannon in County Clare; the way in which his Department proposes to address any deficiencies or expand their service offering in the town. [67218/26]

People living in Shannon Town and the surrounding area can access in person Department of Social Protection services through the Ennis Intreo Centre and Limerick Intreo Centre.  These centres 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) and appointments for processing PPSN applications are also provided for at both these locations.

While direct, face-to-face contact remains c cornerstone of the department’s service to customers, there are a number of alternative ways in which people in Shannon can access supports without having to visit an Intreo 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 Shannon to receive personalised employment guidance and activation support without necessarily having to attend an Intreo Centre.

Customers who need assistance from the Community Welfare Service may also access that service 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.

In addition, all scheme areas in the 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 will find information and contact details, including phone numbers and emails, for all DSP schemes and services on the department's www.Gov.ie site.

The Department is committed to provide high standards of customer service and continues to keep access to services under review.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.