Vol. 489 No. 3
212 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason his Department's office in Cork is only dealing with the public on a half-day basis; his plans, if any, to resolve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8201/98]
The Cork local office has been closed to the public each afternoon since 16 March 1998 due to industrial action. The dispute is related to appropriate staffing levels in the office in the light of changes in workloads and work procedures.
I regret any inconvenience to the public arising from this action. My Department is in contact with the trade union concerned with a view to an early resolution of the matter and a restoration of normal service at the office.
