Vol. 405 No. 6
120 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the shortages in the Clonmel employment exchange arising from maternity leave; if he will approve the appointment of temporary staff to overcome the serious delays to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Two officers in Clonmel Employment Exchange are on maternity leave at present. A third officer has recently resumed duty following maternity leave. When temporary staff absences such as those arising from maternity leave occur, assistance is provided as necessary, by the allocation of overtime and/or by the deployment of staff from other areas of my Department. Assistance by both these means has been provided to Clonmel Employment Exchange in connection with current and recent absences and will be made available as considered necessary in the future. I am satisfied that everything possible is being done to maintain a satisfactory level of service to the public at Clonmel.
