Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Branch Office Network.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

329 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his policy in relation to the social welfare branch office network; and the outcome of the discussions with the Branch Managers Association in relation to upgrading, modernisation and remuneration. [23238/99]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern):

In addition to the 57 social welfare local offices which are Departmentally staffed there are 70 branch offices which are managed on a contract basis by branch managers.

The programme to computerise these branch offices was completed earlier this year. The computerisation of these offices allowed, inter alia, for the abolition of cash payments at these offices. Unemployed persons who sign at branch offices are now in a similar situation to those who sign at social welfare local offices in that they are required to sign once every four weeks and they receive their payment each week at the local post office.

Computerisation of the branch offices has meant a change in the workload in these offices and, in this regard, following negotiations my Department reached an agreement with the branch managers' association on a revised remuneration package and the introduction of changes in work practice.

The agreement allows for the introduction of new work into the branch offices. In particular the role these offices play in delivering information to customers will be enhanced. Training is being provided to branch managers and their staff.

Arrangements have also been made for introduction of the remote certificate entry system in these offices. This facility allows disability benefit recipients to have their medical certificates entered onto the system locally instead of posting them to the Headquarters Section in Dublin. This facility is now available in 49 Branch Offices and will be introduced into the remainder of the Branch Offices in the coming months.

The new agreement also requires the Branch Managers to improve the standard of accommodation they provide where this is deemed necessary. In this regard discussions are taking place with Branch Managers locally and, where appropriate, they are being asked to submit their proposals for improving their premises.

The agreement provides the basis for a significant improvement in the level of service at branch offices and will enable these offices to be developed in parallel with the Department's own offices to meet the needs of customers.