Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2012
407 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to open, close or privatise social welfare offices around the State; and if she will indicate the locations where changes are planned. [11427/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe increase in the Live Register over the past number of years has placed additional pressures on my Department's local offices in terms of providing a satisfactory service to the public.
As a consequence of this and of the transfer of functions and staff from the HSE and from FÁS to the Department, some of the Department's buildings require refurbishment, extensions or, in some cases, replacement. The Department relies on the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the provision of new office accommodation. To this end it has requested the OPW as a matter of priority to acquire new local office accommodation in a number of locations throughout the country to enable it deliver a satisfactory service to the public. Priority locations include Loughrea, Balbriggan, Swords, Castlebar and Newbridge.
The Department has no plans to privatise offices delivering social welfare services.
408 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time of each contract to provide social welfare services; the tendering process that has been engaged in; and the number of years each of the private contracted social welfare sub-offices has been in operation. [11428/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra410 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the social welfare offices that are run by private service providers on behalf of her Department; the annual rent paid for each of the offices in question; the value of each of the contract with a private services provider; the duration of each; and the number of staff in each office. [11430/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra411 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review has ever been carried out of the accuracy of assessments and decisions made by private contractors providing social welfare office services in comparison with public offices. [11431/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra412 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if all staff in privately operated social welfare offices are required to adhere to the same requirements in terms of customer relations, data protection, co-operation with statutory bodies and advocates as the civil servants in public offices. [11432/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra413 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if staff in privately operated social welfare offices are under the same terms and conditions as their counterparts in the public sector. [11433/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 410 to 413, inclusive, together.
It is not possible to compile all the information requested within the necessary timeframe. The information will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.
409 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection the rent paid for each public social welfare office in the State; and the landlord’s name and the expiry date of each current lease or tenancy agreement. [11429/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has responsibility for the acquisition and maintenance of social welfare office accommodation for my Department. Matters of leasing, landlords, and individual rents are managed by that Office.
