Seanad debates
Tuesday, 25 March 2003
Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2003: Second Stage (Resumed).
With regard to Senator Ulick Burke's concerns about field officers, I accept that I am responsible for all those who work in the Department. If there is a particular concern, I would be glad to hear it because the Department prides itself on having a good rapport with many of its clients in the area. People sometimes feel, rightly or wrongly, that their rights are infringed upon. I must balance the need to enforce necessary controls and the needs of those who are entitled to and require support. That is an important issue. If the Senator has a specific concern about a particular family, I would like to address that issue on his behalf. He could perhaps give me the details privately after this debate.
No comments