Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I always enjoy listening to the Senator's contributions because, invariably, I always learn something. Some of the staff are FÁS employees who have come in to the Department of Social Protection. Some of the additional 15 staff are from FÁS and some are from a reallocation within the Department. There is a great deal of reform taking place in the Department and staff are being deployed to pressure areas. We would certainly like to see the numbers reducing. The Intreo offices will have access to the public and will be in a better position to give information to the public. The Intreo offices will play a strong role in ensuring that people understand the process. There is always room for improvement and we have to strive to improve the service to the public. In fairness to the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, and the officials they have been doing their utmost to reduce the numbers. That is clear from some of the figures I have given in percentage terms. While progress has been made I am anxious that further progress be made. I will look at any avenue where we can help to improve that.