I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 125 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is subject to my general direction and control, is delivered locally on behalf of my Department by community welfare officers as part of the community welfare service operated by the health boards. The community welfare service also has other functions within the health boards' community care programmes.
The overall administrative costs of the community welfare service are met by my Department and the Department of Health and Children in proportion to the amount of time spent admin istering schemes on behalf of the Departments in question. In the Eastern Regional Health Authority area, virtually all of the community welfare officers' time is spent administering the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. A smaller proportion, typically 75%, of their time is charged to the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in the other health board areas.
I met with the chief executive officers of the health boards in June 2003 to discuss several issues, including the future of the community welfare service in the context of the health service reform programme. It was agreed that, in the first instance, the issues should be examined by a liaison group at senior management level representing the boards and my Department. In addition, an interdepartmental working group is reviewing the supplementary welfare allowance scheme as part of my Department's series of expenditure reviews. The current review is a fundamental appraisal of the scheme aimed primarily at improving customer service and administrative efficiency.
As part of this review a wide consultation process was undertaken which attracted 145 submissions, covering 700 issues and ranging over 18 themes. They came from users of the supplementary welfare allowance service, information providers and other interested parties including the social partners, the health boards and the trade unions representing community welfare officers.
The desirability or otherwise of transferring the community welfare service in part or wholly to my Department will be assessed in light of the above evaluations. In deciding that issue, my primary objective will be to enhance the service to those who avail of the supports provided in a manner that maximises the effectiveness of the supports and the efficiency with which they are delivered.