Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

In response to the first question, in addition to dealing with the administration of social welfare schemes, community welfare officers are also engaged in health and personal social services work, which includes means assessment for medical cards and nursing home subventions. These latter functions will remain with the HSE when the community welfare service transfers. It was on the basis of the work needing to be done in that regard that the division of staff resources between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the HSE was agreed. That was agreed in consultation between the two Departments and under examination by an independent consultant as to the staff breakdown.

With regard to where the community welfare officers will be based, I think that is part of the ongoing discussions and negotiations. However, if there is an answer, I will ensure the information is forwarded to the Deputy. On flexibility and discretion, community welfare officers will continue to have flexibility. It is important they are able to respond to local needs. This is part of ensuring we have an improved service delivery, because the change is all about providing a better service. It is particularly important to have an integrated service so all the income needs can be met by the one organisation, rather than as currently where community welfare officers are paid by funds provided by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to the HSE and dispense moneys provided by the Department, yet work under the ambit of the HSE.

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