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. - Community Welfare Offices Closure.
26.
When I answered this question on 25 June last I explained that the supplementary welfare allowances scheme is administered by the Eastern Health Board on behalf of the Department of Social Welfare and that any deficiencies in the service would be a matter for these two bodies in the first instance.
I went on to say that although the Department of Social Welfare funds the salaries of community welfare officers my Department approves staffing levels. This matter was under review at the time.
Notwithstanding present constraints on the filling of posts, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in late July I approved the number of community welfare officer posts proposed by the Eastern Health Board as necessary for the maintenance of the service.
If, as the Deputy suggests, deficiencies remain in the service then it would be up to the Eastern Health Board to take remedial action or if necessary make further proposals.