Laois PPN (Public Participation Network) representative, Bobby Delaney has warned the Laois Joint Policing Committee meeting of the rising problem of illegal money lenders in the county.
“Even with help from the Guards, these money lenders can put people under awful pressure,” Mr Delaney said.
Sinn Féin TD, Brian Stanley said that he and his colleagues have raised the issue “ad nauseam” with Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, “and will continue to do so.”
“The minister claims the reports shown to her say that the system is working well – but it is not working,” Deputy Stanley said.
“Removal of the Community Welfare Officer has has severely negatively affected communities,” he said.
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Sean Fleming TD said: “One staff member could cover the entire county, which would sort out the full problem.
“People are waiting weeks for payments and going to Saint Vincent de Paul for help.”
Deputy Fleming said he will write to Minister Humphreys about the issue.
Cllr Paddy Bracken called Deputy Fleming’s response “unnacceptable,” saying he is “disgusted that a very basic service has been removed.”
Former Mountmellick town counciller, Bobby Delaney pleaded with Deputy Fleming and Deputy Stanley to keep pressure on Minister Humphreys.
Garda Superintendent Eamon Curley asked that anyone with information about illegal money lenders please contact An Garda Síochána.
“Any information received will be dealt with in a discreet and sensitive manner,” Supt Curley said.
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