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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Community Welfare Service.

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

1371 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to reports that the Department of Health and Children is contemplating transferring the community welfare officer service to her Department; if discussions at any level have taken place on this matter; and if she has a position on the desirability of such a transfer. [20528/03]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is subject to my general direction and control, is administered by the health boards' community welfare service on behalf of my Department. The community welfare service also has other functions within the health boards' community care programmes.

I recently had a meeting 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 issues should be examined by a liaison group at senior management level representing the boards and my Department.

In addition, the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is currently being reviewed by an inter-departmental working group as part of my Department's series of expenditure reviews. 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 to my Department will be assessed in the light of the above evaluations.

In deciding that issue, my 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.

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