I propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 441 together.
The Community Welfare Service in my Department delivers the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is the safety net within the overall social welfare system. This scheme provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
There are three Community Welfare Officers on the Community Welfare Services team in Cavan. The team is supported by a Clerical Officer.
I am not at liberty to disclose personal data in respect of individual officers but can confirm that two members of staff are currently on sick leave.
I am assured by local management that arrangements were immediately put in place to ensure continuity of this critical service. Two Community Welfare Officers were reassigned from other areas on a fulltime basis and the situation is kept under constant review. All applications have been actioned and there is no backlog.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.