Time to extend discretionary powers to social welfare officers
Labour Party TD for Fingal, Duncan Smith has called for discretionary powers to be returned to social welfare officers in light of Covid-19.
Deputy Smith said:
“It is essential now that discretionary powers are returned to social welfare officers similar to that of Community Welfare Officers to assist people over the next few weeks.
“The Government must now transfer discretionary powers to assist people where needs be.
“We need to ensure that people in need have goods and medical products that they need and to cover unknown unknowns that may arise over the next few weeks.
“We feel there is a role for Social Protection Officers in their communities to provide State services to help tackle Covid-19.
“Community safety should be the imperative now of all arms of the State and extending discretionary powers to extend social welfare payments to those in need must be done.”