Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I stated, I understand there is an accelerated process for people moving in and out of work and those requiring FÁS training, etc. The Deputy highlighted two points that are valid and need to be addressed. They are being addressed to the best of our ability under present arrangements. Reviewing present arrangements in terms of flexibilities across the public service and getting people to the point of contact at the pressure points more quickly are in the interest of all of us who wish to defend public services and see them provided in a timely and appropriate away.

In the context of the social partnership talks we are having at present on a sector by sector basis, there are discussions taking place on how we can improve the system, through the transforming public services agenda, to provide sufficient personnel when services pressures are particularly severe in specific areas of activity. Everyone must be prepared to review existing agreements and arrangements for this to happen, as Deputy Gilmore will know from the expertise he gained during his career in industrial relations. There is a requirement in general policy terms that all of us step up to the mark to ensure we can deal with these matters in a timely and appropriate way. The processes and systems we have in place in the industrial relations area mean, as the Deputy said, those who are dependent on services, whether for a temporary or more prolonged period, find their availability is not quite what they would desire.

It is in the interest of all of us who believe in public services to have flexibility on the ground to achieve the required outputs and service levels so they will be made available to those who have lost their jobs in a timely and appropriate way. This point is well made and the Government is making it in the social partnership talks. It needs to be addressed successfully by all of us collaboratively so we will achieve the outcomes people desire.

The industrial relations problem concerning community welfare officers generally has been with us for far too long. As the Deputy knows, there has been a series of recommendations-----

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