Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 September 2014
139. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if there will be no change to the status of her Department's offices in Ballybay, County Monaghan; if there will be no reduction in the number of staff employed at that centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35810/14]
View answerTwenty-nine staff occupying two adjoining buildings on Main St. in Ballybay, Co. Monaghan, were redeployed from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Social Protection in July 2012. Those staff are engaged in the processing of the Public Services Card. Those operations are currently being expanded, requiring additional staff.
The current facilities in Ballybay are not adequate either for existing business processes or for this planned expansion including additional staff. Accordingly, options for suitable accommodation are being examined in advance of lease renewal deadlines in 2015.
Regardless of the course chosen, there will be no reduction in the number of staff employed. There has already been an increase of four staff to manage the expanding operation and this may increase further should the accommodation allow.
