Vol. 571 No. 1
937 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has plans to move the community welfare officer service from his Department to the Department of Social and Family Affairs; if discussions have taken place either within his own Department or with representatives from the Department of Social and Family Affairs on this issue; the reason behind such a move if it is being considered; and if he will consult with workers if such a plans is considered. [20527/03]
I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, recently met with the chief executive officers of the health boards to discuss a number of issues, including the future of the community welfare service, in the context of the health service reform programme. It was agreed that in the first instance, the relevant issues should be examined by a liaison group at senior management level. In addition, the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is subject to the general direction and control of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and administered by the health boards' community welfare services, is currently being reviewed by an interdepartmental working group. The current review is a fundamental appraisal of the scheme aimed primarily at improving customer service and administrative efficiency. The desirability or otherwise of transferring the community welfare service, in part or wholly, will be assessed in the light of the above evaluations. In deciding that issue, the primary objective will be to enhance the service to those who avail of the supports provided in a manner that maximises the effectiveness of the supports and the efficiency with which they are delivered.
