Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

For almost two years we have been hearing of problems in some local offices. I and other colleagues have had dealings with the people working in those offices and they want to know when a solution will be found. The problem affects approximately 17 local offices. Delays in these offices are higher than anywhere else. Is there any sign of a resolution to the problem? We have been told several times it is also an industrial relations problem, even before the work to rule or the overtime ban. In the context of the current negotiations, will that issue also be dealt with so that those people who have no choice but to go to their local office for payment will be dealt with in the same manner as those in any other office?

I am glad to hear that some good has come as a result of the current action and that backlogs have been cleared. I had expected to hear the Minister say the backlog was even greater, but welcome the fact that is not the case. Can the Minister learn anything from this in terms of the operation of the offices and the Department, because when those in the offices can concentrate on claims, they get through more work? I do not suggest they should not answer telephones, but could staff be divided so as to work more effectively? Some people could be responsible for taking queries and others could work full-time on applications. That could speed up the process. The staff in the office receive queries from Members of the Houses and the public, but if the backlog was cleared, there would not be as many queries. Many of the queries relate to the delay. Is the Minister aware of anything that should be changed as a result of the situation over the past number of weeks?

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