asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number and rank of unfilled vacancies in his Department on 1st October, 1969; when they arose; and how soon they will be filled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Department of Social Welfare Vacancies.
43.
The number of vacancies which required to be filled in the Department of Social Welfare on 1st October, 1969, was 29. On that date, there was one vacancy in each of the grades of principal and medical referee; two vacancies in each of the grades of administrative officer and executive officer; three vacancies in the grade of social welfare officer; seven in the grade of clerical officer; 13 in the grade of clerical assistant.
The vacancy in the grade of principal which arose in September, 1969, is now filled. The vacancy in the grade of medical referee arose in February, 1967, and is now about to be filled. The vacancies in the grade of administrative officer arose in May and August, 1969, and one of these has recently been filled; the second vacancy will be filled as soon as possible. The vacancies in the social welfare officer grade arose in September, 1969; two of these are now filled and the third will be filled early in November, 1969. The vacancies in the grade of executive officer arose in July, 1969, and are about to be filled. Vacancies in the clerical officer grade and in the clerical assistant grade have existed since August, 1969, and it is hoped to fill these in the immediate future.
Can the Minister say why it took nearly three years to fill the vacancy for medical referee?
I do not know.
Would the Minister take the trouble to inquire?
Yes, if the Deputy puts down a question.
Would the Minister find out why it took that long and take some steps to know what is going on in his Department so that the same disgraceful situation does not arise again?
I have not been there long and it is about to be filled now.
Oh, the Minister is now throwing out Deputy Brennan. Collective responsibility, how are you!
No, actually arrangements to fill it were made by Deputy Brennan while he was Minister.
The Minister would like to have a crack now at the Minister for Finance, too.