Welfare website upgraded to deal with greater numbers

The Department of Social and Family Affairs has upgraded its website in an effort to take the pressure of under-pressure staff in its centres.

The site at www.welfare.ie has been redesigned to save users the inconvenience of queuing at exchanges for forms and personal information.

It also contains details of the new Customer Charter, which sets out the standard of service that people can expect when dealing with the department.

Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin is encouraging more people to use the website if they require welfare services.