asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many community welfare offices in the Eastern Health Board area are closing sporadically due to the failure to replace staff when absent from work on leave or otherwise; if his attention has further been drawn to the great inconvenience and hardship this is causing for the less well off who have cause to seek supplementary welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter and in particular the steps, if any, he is taking to end this disruption of service.
Written Answers. - EHB Community Welfare Offices.
97.
The supplementary welfare allowances scheme is administered by the Eastern Health Board on behalf of the Department of Social Welfare. Therefore, any deficiencies in the service would be a matter for these two bodies in the first instance. However, although the Department of Social Welfare fund the salaries of community welfare officers my Department approve staffing levels. I can confirm that this matter is under review and that the Eastern Health Board has been asked to meet with officials of my Department. It is anticipated that consultations will also take place with the Department of Social Welfare.