asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the number of clerical officers recently transferred from the employment exchange in Cork City, the reasons for the transfers, and whether he is satisfied that the reduction in staff will not cause delay in dealing with benefit claims.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork City Employment Exchange.
Two clerical officers and four writing assistants were transferred recently from the employment exchange, Cork, because, owing to a decrease in the volume of work at that exchange, their services were no longer required there.
I am satisfied that this reduction in redundant staff will not cause delay in dealing with benefit claims.
Is the Minister aware that there is in fact considerable undue delay being experienced at the Cork office, particularly in the section dealing with unemployment benefit claims, where apparently it is not unusual for a queue of 50 people to be detained for anything from two to three hours before their business is discharged? Is he further aware that there are apparently no arrangements for the replacing of clerical staff absent through illness or on annual leave and will he further investigate the position in the interests of the public who have to do business there and in the interests of the staff concerned?
The staffing position in the Cork Exchange is kept under weekly review. I am surprised at the allegation which the Deputy makes, that applicants for unemployment benefits are kept waiting for three or four hours. This is the first complaint to that effect that I have got. I shall certainly have it examined because it is not proper that anybody should have to wait for such a long time, either to register or to receive any moneys by way of unemployment benefit or unemployment assistance.