Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 5

Written Answers. - Industrial Relations.

John V. Farrelly

Question:

164 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the steps he is taking to settle the ongoing dispute in the child benefit section of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31136/01]

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

The dispute in the Department's office in Letterkenny arose initially out of the filling of three additional temporary posts in the office by the recruitment of staff on short-term contracts. The staff are required for a limited period for work associated with the introduction of a new system for the delivery of child benefit from that office. In addition to child benefit, the office also administers treatment benefit which comprises dental and optical benefits and medical appliances.

The industrial action, which involves 157 clerical staff, commenced on 2 October 2001 with a ban on dealing with telephone and fax inquiries and a withdrawal of availability for overtime working. The action was extended on 30 October 2001 to include a ban on a range of other tasks and withdrawal of co-operation with the implementation of a new computer system for child benefit. While the industrial action is preventing people from making telephone and fax inquiries in relation to entitlements, I would emphasise that claims continue to be processed and payments continue to be made.

I regret the inconvenience to the public arising as a result of the industrial action and I wish to stress that every effort is being made by the Department to bring about a resolution of the dispute. In this context, following a recent meeting between officials of the Department and the union, there have been ongoing contacts with a view to putting together a draft agreement aimed at bringing about a resolution of the dispute. Further contacts are expected to take place over the coming days, which hopefully will result in the cessation of the industrial action.