John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The purpose of the process is to ensure a resolution is found and I am trying to deliver on that. In the meantime, in relation to the Ballyphehane-Togher area, arrangements have been made for the assignment of a dedicated member of the relief panel of community welfare officers to take up this position immediately. The matter will be kept under ongoing review.

The Government decided in March 2006 to transfer the administration of the supplementary welfare allowance, SWA, scheme to the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The community welfare service is funded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs but the delivery of the day-to-day service is the responsibility of the HSE. I do not believe this is the best, most efficient way of delivering this service. The division of responsibility between the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the HSE is also making it more difficult to address the pressures on both the community welfare service and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in a unified, comprehensive manner.

Reform of the public service remains a priority for the Government. Citizens need and demand integrated services across public service. Public service reform also means resources must be deployed to the best effect and this requires a flexible and open attitude of staff to change and doing things differently. The transfer of the SWA is a good example of the kind of reforms which are needed. The decision to transfer the SWA was taken over three years ago. There have been lengthy discussions with the unions since then to bring it about.

Virtually all the preparatory work that can usefully be done has been completed. The Government remains firmly committed to this transfer of functions and has recently reiterated its support for accomplishing the transfer. The delays to date do not reflect well on the public service and I hope this matter can now be progressed quickly, preferably through negotiation between all the parties involved.

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