Vol. 509 No. 6
327 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of extra staff appointed since May 1999 at the General Register Office, Joyce House, Dublin; if the length of waiting period for certificates has been reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21120/99]
The administration of the registration system, and the operation of the General Register Office is a matter for An tArd-Chláraitheoir, the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
An tArd-Chláraitheoir has advised me that there has been an increased demand for certificates, of entries of births, deaths and marriages, in recent times, and while there are some delays in dealing with postal and authorisation services, normal service is provided to personal callers to the office. The overall staffing situation in my Department, including the General Register Office is kept under review and a number of vacancies are in the process of being filled at present. A total of nine staff have been appointed to the General Register Office, Joyce House, since May 1999, primarily in response to vacancies which had arisen in the staff complement of that office. Pressures, which arise as a result of fluctuations in the demand for services or staff shortages, are normally addressed by short periods of overtime. I understand that overtime has been approved for the General Register Office to address the current difficulties.
