asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is his intention to transfer the operation of the supplementary welfare allowance from the health boards to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
39.
Written Answers. - Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
36.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the way in which it is proposed to incorporate the supplementary welfare system into the Department of Social Welfare.
41.
(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is his intention to bring the day-to-day operation of the supplementary welfare scheme directly under the control of his Department; the way in which under such an arrangement he would maintain the flexibility and localised nature of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 39 and 41 together.
I am examining all aspects of the administration of social welfare services to identify ways in which the service given to the Department's clients can be improved. In particular I am examining ways in which all of the Department's services can be localised at the point of delivery. I see the implementation of a local service as the key towards a better and more effective system and one which at the same time will facilitate improved controls on the system generally. The further development of computerisation throughout the Department's system of local offices will facilitate the achievement of the goal of a more integrated system at local level giving people quicker access to a comprehensive range of services.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is an important element in this strategy. At present a large proportion of claims for SWA are from people who are awaiting a decision on a claim for another social welfare payment. I envisage that when a localised system is established the incidence of people having recourse to SWA for this purpose will be greatly reduced. This will mean a reorientation of the role of the SWA scheme.
The question as to how the SWA scheme will be administered in this scenario is one which I will also be addressing. I have not come to any definite conclusions on this matter but will be putting my proposals to the Government in due course.