asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is intended to have any discussion with the trade unions representing the personnel involved in the proposed transfer of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance system to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme Administration.
128.
The future administration of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is under examination at present. In this context the recommendation made by the Commission on Social Welfare and in other reports that the scheme should be directly administered by the Department of Social Welfare is being taken into consideration. Such a change in present arrangements would obviously have major implications for the Department, the health boards and for the staff administering the scheme. There will be full consultation with all the interests involved in considering any future developments in relation to the scheme.