asked the Minister for Justice the number of man hours taken up by gardaí involved in signing and witnessing social welfare claims; the number of man hours taken up in travel for such activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Garda Certification Duty.
62.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is estimated that some 1,860 manhours per week are taken up in the certification by the gardaí of Social Welfare claims and that a further 100 manhours are involved in travel by gardaí to outlying signing centres to certify such claims. I should add, however, that in most cases members engaged in certification duty at a Garda station would be engaged in station duties as well.
In recent years, the question of relieving the Garda of this certification duty has been the subject of regular consultation between my Department and the Department of Social Welfare. Some progress has been achieved, mainly in relation to large suburban areas of Dublin, and the matter is being kept under continuing review.