Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Branch Offices.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

702 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Social Welfare the discussions, if any, there have been between his Department and the branch managers of local social welfare offices around the country, particularly the branch office at Ardee, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/96]

Mary Coughlan

Question:

724 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the current position regarding the proposed closure of employment exchanges in County Donegal; the outcome of the talks that were held on 7 June 1996 with exchange managers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15184/96]

M. J. Nolan

Question:

741 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will agree to meet with a deputation of the Branch Managers Association to discuss the future plans, if any, he has for the operation of branch offices. [15486/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 702, 724 and 741 together.

Branch managers are represented in negotiations with the Department by the Branch Managers' Association. All discussions on the future of the social welfare branch offices are carried out with the association under the terms of the conciliation and arbitration scheme which covers them.

Officials from my Department met with representatives of the Branch Managers' Association on 27 May 1996. The meeting involved a frank and productive exchange of views on both sides. A further meeting will be arranged with the Branch Managers' Association following consideration of the issues arising from that meeting.