asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the undue harrassment by social welfare officers generally in relation to applicants for benefit; and the guidelines, if any, which are given to his employees before taking up these duties.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Officers' Guidelines.
153.
Officers, on entering the service, undergo extensive training covering all aspects of the work of a social welfare officer. The training includes direction and guidance on how to deal courteously, tactfully and efficiently with members of the public and calls for a considerate and sympathetic approach in each case.
The need for courtesy, consideration and efficiency in bringing cases to a satisfactory and expeditious conclusion is important and the training of social welfare officers is geared towards that end. It is the duty of officers to report fully and fairly on cases referred to them for investigation and part of that duty is to assist and facilitate claimants in obtaining their entitlements. It is also their responsibility to ensure that claimants do not receive payments to which they are not entitled.
It is the experience of my Department that officers can be subjected to unfounded allegations and unfair criticism particularly in cases where clients are reluctant to co-operate in determining their entitlements and in specific cases where abuse of the schemes is being investigated.
I am satisfied that officers carry out their duties impartially and often in very difficult circumstances. If, however, the Deputy has any specific complaints against any of my officials I will gladly have them investigated when the facts are given to me.