Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Can I be very clear here? All community welfare officers have been notified that more people may not be able to meet their costs and that decisions need to take all circumstances into account. This has been relayed. As the Chairman well knows, my job as Minister involves setting policy. It is the job of the Executive and staff to implement that policy. I have been very clear today that community welfare officers are there to support people in administering the supplementary welfare allowance and exceptional needs payments. That is their job. We are here to help people when they need it. There will always be specific cases where somebody is not happy with the outcome. There is a system whereby it can be reviewed and I give Deputies a commitment that if they have specific cases, they should bring them to my attention and I will speak to them about them. I am very clear here today that all community welfare officers have been notified and that decisions need to take account of all circumstances. I do not know of any but there may be some out there. The vast majority of community welfare officers are doing a good job on the ground. I know they are in contact with MABS. If they pick up the phone, MABS can get in contact with them. I do not think I have yet found a case where a community welfare officer did not take on board the recommendation of MABS. I have been dealing with MABS through the credit union and with community welfare officers for a very long time. All officials with whom I have been in contact have been officials of the highest integrity who are there to help people. I want that to continue.