Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2011
258 Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm the legal status of any circulars issued from her to the community welfare service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29933/11]
View answerThe community welfare service (CWS), and the community welfare officers providing it, formally transferred to the Department of Social Protection (DSP) from 1 October 2011. The service and the staff are now part of the Department of Social Protection.
The purpose of Circulars issued by my Department is to provide information, guidance, clarification and interpretations to staff on all aspects of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. All decisions in relation to the supplementary welfare allowance scheme will continue to be based on the legislative provisions as set down in the various Social Welfare Acts and are supported by statutory regulations.
