asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction with certain Social Welfare Officers operating in Cork City as regards the manner in which they investigate the circumstances and means of applicants for old age pension, widows' and orphans' pensions, etc.; and, if so, if he will take steps to ensure that these officers will in future carry out the duties of their office in a more courteous, considerate and kindly way.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Means Test Investigations in Cork.
12.
I am not aware that there is dissatisfaction with certain Social Welfare officers operating in Cork City as indicated in the Deputy's question.
It is my desire that the officers of the Department dealing with members of the public should carry out their duties in a helpful and courteous manner and this is emphasised in the standing instructions issued for the guidance of the staff.
If the Deputy will furnish me with particulars of any cases in which there has been cause for complaint I shall have them investigated.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary confirm that instructions have been issued by his Department recently to Social Welfare officers to be more stringent in their enquiries into these applications? Is he aware that, because of such instructions, complaints such as those referred to by Deputy Galvin arise?
I am not aware of any such instruction.
The Parliamentary Secretary should look it up.
He has no need to look it up.
It does not apply to Cork City alone. It applies to other parts of the country as well.