asked the Minister for Social Welfare the increase in the number of staff employed at Cork Employment Exchange during the period 1st May, 1974, to 30th April, 1975.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Employment Exchange Staff.
34.
There was an increase of eight in the number of staff employed at Cork Employment Exchange during the period 1st May, 1974, to 30th April, 1975.
Can the Minister say an increase of eight on what number previously?
From 47 to 55.
Does the Minister who wears many mantles consider that number adequate in view of the fact that in the period from April, 1974, to April, 1975, the number of recipients of unemployment benefit in the Cork area increased by approximately 100 per cent? Does he regard that increase in staff as being adequate to give a good service to the huge queues now forming outside the Cork Labour Exchange to collect these benefits?
On the information available to me I cannot agree with the picture presented by the Deputy. No complaints have been received in the Department of undue delay in dealing with claimants in the Cork Employment Exchange. I am sure such complaints would be coming in if the vast queues of which the Deputy speaks were there. In order to avoid delays, there have been relaxations in the normal procedures and, no doubt, it is the effect of these measures which has led to a situation where complaints are not being received.
Can the Minister give the dates during the year on which these eight were appointed?
I understand that the increase took place on 1st April, 1974, on the introduction of the scheme of the payment of pay-related benefit with unemployment benefit.
Could the Minister give the status of these people?
I have not got their particulars.
Were these extra employees taken on to handle pay-related benefit?
It would appear so.
Despite the relaxation of certain regulations there are still substantial queues.
The Deputy has already mentioned that matter. We are having repetition.
Will the Minister ask his colleague to review that situation?