Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
627 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of community welfare officers; the plans that are in place to increase their numbers; and how she intends to deal with the matter. [8881/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe supplementary welfare allowance scheme is subject to my general direction and control. It is administered on behalf of my Department by the health boards. The scheme operates under the community care programme and is delivered by community welfare officers and superintendent community welfare officers.
At present there are 53 SCWOs and 700 CWOs operating from approximately 1,050 locations throughout the country. Some of them also perform other duties apart from administering the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
Health boards administer the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, including the assignment of staff. Therefore, it is up to each board to respond to variations in workloads arising from population movement.
