Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 195: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons primarily employed to process entitlement payments (details supplied) in schemes or agencies under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20823/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are almost 2,800 posts that are primarily occupied in processing claims made under the various schemes administered by the Department. The main scheme areas are Unemployment Schemes, Illness Schemes, Pensions Schemes and Family Support Schemes.

In addition, the Department's Inspectorate, comprising over 400 posts, carry out means assessment, where required, for the various schemes as part of their overall remit. A further 900 posts are directly engaged in other aspects of claim processing, such as managing PRSI records, while another 700 posts provide support services in areas such as policy, finance, IT, HR and other corporate functions.

The Family Support Agency is no longer under the aegis of the Department as responsibility for the Agency has transferred to the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. With regard to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, the position is that the Department funds the Service through the Citizens Information Board. However, while the Service provides advice and assistance on managing debt problems, it does not pay debts, provide financial assistance to clients or process payments.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 196: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons primarily employed in the collection of overpayments. [20844/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Central Overpayments and Debt Management (CODM) Unit of the Department is the section that monitors the current debt recovery policies and practices of the Department with a view to improving the level of debt recovered. It is also the central reporting area for all the Department's overpayments. There is 7 staff within the CODM Unit.

In addition each of the Department's primary scheme areas and each local office have a debt management function. The number of staff specifically involved in the collection of debt will depend on the claimload and the level of overpayments in each of these areas.