Séamus Hughes
Ceist:33 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Social Welfare the current position in respect of the review of social welfare branch office operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22809/96]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Offices.
Tony Killeen
Ceist:88 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has for each of the social welfare offices and sub-offices in County Clare. [22726/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 88 together.
I assume for the purposes of this reply that the Deputy is referring to social welfare branch offices in County Clare and not to what were formerly known as employment exchanges and are now social welfare local offices.
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 now nearing completion and it is hoped to meet with the branch managers' association again in the near future.