20/04/2016

Dept Of Social Protection Wins Top European Award

Ireland's Department of Social Protection has won the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Good Practice Award for Europe 2016.

The award was announced at the ISSA Regional Social Security Forum, taking place this week in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Department received the award for its work in developing the integrated welfare and employment service – Intreo.

An independent, international jury met to decide on the winner from among 71 entries from 27 ISSA members in 19 countries.

Intreo is a single point of contact for all employment and income supports. Designed to provide a more streamlined approach, Intreo offers practical, tailored employment services and supports for jobseekers and employers alike. It has involved a complete transformation of the physical environment and processes in offices providing social welfare services throughout the country.

The Jury also awarded a Certificate of Merit to each of the Department's other submissions: "Closed Certification Guidelines for General Practitioners" and "SUSI/DSP Claim, Entitlement and Payment Service".

Secretary-General of the Department, Ms Niamh O'Donoghue also said: "Winning the Good Practice Award is prestigious recognition for the outstanding work carried out by the Intreo team and staff throughout the Department who continue to contribute to the successes of this initiative.

"I would like to congratulate the staff involved in all three projects which have been judged to be models of international best practice and to everyone in the Department who has contributed to the successful implementation of these transformative initiatives".

(MH/LM)

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