The Department supports the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection in the discharge of governmental, parliamentary and departmental duties. The main functions are to:
The Department plays a key role in supporting those most in need, including children and their parents, people who are unemployed, ill, carers, people with disabilities and older people. Each week approximately 1.4 million people receive a social welfare payment and, when qualified adults and children are included, a total of almost 2.1 million people benefit from weekly payments. Over 600,000 families receive child benefit in respect of 1.2 million children each month. Expenditure on schemes and services provided by the Department accounts for almost 40% of gross voted Government current expenditure. The projected expenditure for the Department in 2012 is €20.55 billion.
In carrying out our work we are guided by four key values and principles:
1. Excellent customer service
We are committed to providing a professional, inclusive and timely service that is responsive to the needs of our clients. We will conduct our business in an impartial, open and transparent manner and will treat people fairly, with dignity and respect. We will keep personal data confidential.
2. Value for money
We will deliver all of our services in an effective and efficient way. We will strive to minimise the levels of fraud and error in the social welfare system.
3. Flexibility, innovation and responsiveness
We will seek to anticipate and respond to challenges and societal change in a flexible and innovative manner.
4. Partnership and consultation
We recognise that effective delivery of our services and management of our work requires a partnership approach with staff, clients and other agencies. We believe in continuous and effective consultation with all stakeholders and developing relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
