Vol. 397 No. 9
283 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health the relationship between (a) the health board and (b) his Department in deciding the staffing resources needed in the community welfare offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
284 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health the criteria used in determining the staffing resources needed in the community welfare offices; and if due account is taken of cases where counselling rather than payment is provided.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.
Under present personnel policy, health boards are free to make necessary appointments subject to certain conditions, including operation within approved financial allocation and overall staffing levels. The degree to which counselling and other social services are required is a matter for individual case assessment which is the responsibility of local management in each area. In summary, the staffing of the community welfare service is primarily a matter for each health board.
