Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Jul 1997

Vol. 480 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Changes.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

277 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give an estimate of the cost in 1997 of implementing the decision to change the name of his Department to the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs in relation to headed notepaper, signage, advertising and so on, in view of the nationwide spread of his Department; if the extra cost involved can be met from within his existing 1997 budgets; if not, whether a Supplementary Estimate for 1997 for his Department will be necessary or whether he is considering cutbacks in social welfare services to meet the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14041/97]

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. D. Ahern)

It is my intention that the steps necessary to give effect to the change of name of the Department will be taken on a progressive basis.

It would not be economical to replace all stationery and information booklets immediately or to recall all payment books, social services cards and passes issued to customers. It is my intention that generally, as existing stocks expire, they will be replaced by stocks bearing the new name.

Other aspects of the change of name will also be implemented as opportunities arise with a view to minimising cost. For this reason, it is not possible at this early stage to give a precise estimate of the costs involved.

It is not expected that a Supplementary Estimate or any cut-backs in social welfare services will be required.