As the Deputy is aware, the Government has decided to transfer certain functions from the Health Service Executive (HSE) to my Department as part of the reform of the health sector.
The functions being transferred to my Department include income support and maintenance schemes, together with associated resources. Over 700 Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) and some 60 Superintendent Community Welfare Officers (SCWOs) are engaged in the delivery of these services. A steering group and a number of working groups have been established to work out the detailed arrangements for the transfer and to consider the implications for the services not being transferred and which will remain within the Health Sector. The steering group is due to report in September with an outline plan of implementation. No date has been set for completion of the transfer process but I expect to bring forward the necessary legislative proposals early in 2007.
I recognise that the programme will involve major organisational, human resource and service delivery challenges. However, the initiative provides an opportunity to bring about positive change for customers and staff and is, I believe, a logical approach to the delivery of services provided by the community welfare service. During the implementation programme, I will be giving a high priority to supporting the continued delivery of the high standard of service currently provided by staff in the community welfare service.
