Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 26: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the proposed move of the Community Welfare Service to his Department, and when this will take place. [43255/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered by some 700 Community Welfare Officers and 59 Superintendent Community Welfare Officers (SCWOs) and supporting clerical staff, working within the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive.

The transfer of the Community Welfare Service to my Department arises from the Government decision earlier this year to implement the recommendations made by the Commission on "Financial Management and Control System in the Health Service".

Following on from the Government decision, a number of implementation working groups were established. One of these groups oversees the implementation of the SWA element of the transfer of functions programme. The group's work to date has centred mainly on providing the necessary foundation for the successful transfer of the scheme. This includes identifying all of the functions at present carried out within the Community Welfare Service for the purpose of identifying appropriate arrangements for the continued administration and management of functions in the context of the transfer.

The transfer of functions will present fundamental reform and developmental opportunities for an integrated and enhanced income support system, including a restructuring and integration of support services within my Department, while facilitating the HSE in concentrating on its core health and personal social services functions. The existing mechanisms of delivery by the Community Welfare Service allow the service to be responsive, flexible and outcome focused. These are attributes for which there will be a continuing need into the future and there will be no diminution in the existing role and responsibilities afforded to SCWO/CWO's. The transfer of functions is an opportunity for an enhancement of the support role that Community Welfare Officers currently provide to those disadvantaged in society.

The implementation of a change programme of this magnitude involves organisational, human resource and service delivery issues. Throughout the change programme both the HSE and my Department will give a very high priority to involving the Community Welfare Service in the planning and implementation of the changes and providing clear and precise information on all elements of the change process. Staff in my own Department who will be impacted by the change will also be involved and kept informed throughout the process.

While no date has been set for the completion of the transfer process, I propose to bring forward enabling legislation to give effect to the transfer in time for the 2007 Social Welfare Bill and I would intend that the transfer would take place as soon as possible thereafter.

During the period of transition my Department will continue to give a high priority to supporting the delivery of the very high standard of service currently provided by staff in the Community Welfare Service.