asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that the absence of local social welfare officers in rural districts leads to delays in payment of social welfare benefit and pensions; and if he will consider the replacement of these officials at convenient centres throughout the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Local Agents.
4.
There has been no reduction in the number of social welfare officers employed by the Department for a considerable number of years. There was, in fact, an increase in the number of such officers in 1969. It is assumed, therefore, that the Deputy in his question is referring to local agents. I am not aware that the absence of local agents in some rural districts leads to delays in the payment of social welfare benefits.
Would not the Minister agree that where there is no local social welfare agent, many difficulties are imposed on the persons concerned? It is necessary for them to write a letter to the Department of Social Welfare to which, I might add, they have very little chance of receiving a reply unless they make application through a Deputy. Therefore, extra work is imposed on officials and on Deputies and there is an extra charge to the State. The simple answer would be for the Minister to accept this and to replace these local social welfare agents.
We cannot have a discussion at Question Time.
The Deputy is talking about agents who are a carry-over from the old national health days. They were retained but, as they died or retired, they were not replaced. These are not social welfare officers. The function they perform is, perhaps, useful but there are always offices in the area and payments are made direct from the head office to the recipients, which is a more important thing. The availability of forms is something about which I do not think they have any difficulty. Of the many complaints I have received I do not think this is one.
Could the Minister indicate why there are these continuing delays in the payment of social welfare benefits? There must be some reason for them.
Well, each case is dealt with on its merits. It is not general. I do not accept that it is general.