Vol. 470 No. 2
92 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the current position regarding the continuation of all the employment exchanges in County Donegal; the outcome of recent meetings with the managers of these exchanges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18504/96]
It is assumed that the question relates to Social Welfare branch offices in County Donegal operated on a contract basis and not to the Social Welfare local offices staffed by civil servants of the Department.
The current position is that no decision has yet been taken with regard to the future of the branch offices. Any such decision will be fully discussed with the branch managers who are represented in negotiations with the Department by the Branch Managers' Association under the terms of the conciliation and arbitration scheme which covers them.
Officials from my Department met representatives of the Branch Managers' Association on 27 May 1996. These officials are currently involved in considering the issues arising from the meeting. This consideration is at an advanced stage and it is hoped to meet with the Branch Managers' Association in the near future.
