Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to discuss a matter of national and local concern, namely, the proposed transfer of the community welfare offices and officers, CWOs, from the Department of Health and Children to the Department of Social and Family Affairs; the potential conflict of interest that would occur when CWOs assist clients with appeals against suspension of payments by their prospective employer, namely, the Department of Social and Family Affairs; and in my constituency, Cavan-Monaghan, the consequent reduction from 41 weekly rural CWO clinics to seven, and its implications for aged, vulnerable and dependent populations, who by and large have no form of private or public transport; the lack of consultation with CWOs, clients or service users in relation to the future of this service; and the lack of clarity regarding status, location and working conditions of CWO staff under the proposed transfer.

See this speech in context