Vol. 474 No. 1
40 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Social Welfare the current position regarding the introduction of the ISTS computer system; the negotiations, if any, which have taken place on this matter over the past six months; the current position regarding the proposals to close many branch offices which were disclosed in 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1963/97]
The ISTS system is now in operation in all departmentally staffed local offices, covering approximately 73 per cent of live register claims. In order to reap the maximum benefits of improved control and customer service which the new system provides it is intended to extend the system to the balance of unemployment claims which are dealt with by branch offices.
As the Deputy is aware, a review of branch office operations has been under way in the Department for several years and predates my appointment as Minister. The purpose of this review is to see how best the benefits flowing from the changes in service delivery can be extended to existing social welfare customers and the public generally in the catchment areas currently catered for by the branch offices.
No decision has yet been taken with regard to the future of the branch offices and, as I have stated in response to previous questions, any such decision will be fully discussed with the branch managers under the terms of the conciliation and arbitration scheme which covers them. In this context, officials from my Department met with representatives of the Branch Managers' Association on 27 May 1996. These officials are currently involved in considering the issues arising from the meeting. This consideration is now nearing completion and it is hoped to meet with the Branch Managers' Association in the near future. The introduction of ISTS to the branch offices will be one of the items which will be covered in the discussions on the future of the branch offices.
