Department of Social Protection

The Department of Social Protection promotes active participation in society through the provision of income supports, employment services and other services for a wide range of audiences. It serves a wide and diverse group of customers including families, people in employment, unemployed people, people with disabilities, carers, and retired and older people. The Department also provides a range of services to employers who are an important customer group both in their own right and as ‘partners’ in the provision of employment opportunities to unemployed people. A significant development during 2012 was the launch of Intreo, the Department’s integrated employment and support service. The aim of the Intreo service is to provide a comprehensive and co-ordinated range of supports for both employers and those seeking employment. This will ultimately provide for an enhanced and more efficient service for all the Department’s customers.