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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Dec 1970

Vol. 250 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Department of Social Welfare (Staff Vacancies).

46.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare how many staff vacancies there are currently in his Department; and if staff shortages have in any way delayed the processing of claims.

There are currently 43 staff vacancies in my Department. Staff shortages have caused delays in the processing of claims.

Does the Minister consider that 43 vacancies are an unduly large number? What action does he propose to take to fill these vacancies? What does he propose to do to make terms of employment in the Department more attractive?

These 43 vacancies are not so easily filled because the shortages here are in the senior grades. I have recently got 70 additional clerical assistants, which is a great help, but I have to do everything to bring up the higher grades. The higher grades are much more essential because they deal with matters which can really speed up claims.

Does the Minister agree which occur are due to that the delays extent to these staff a very large vacancies?

To a great extent, yes.

Higher grades can be filled by promotion. It is the lower grades you are not getting.

We have recently got 70 clerical assistants.

In the lower grades?

Yes, within the last two months.

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