Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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52. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a permanent replacement for the post of community welfare officer will be appointed to deal with the Newmarket and Millstreet area in County Cork; and if she will provide an assurance that the person will be based in this area. [22805/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department of Social Protection, like all Government departments and agencies, is required to operate with an Employment Control Framework (ECF) figure and a commensurate administrative staffing budget, which is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Department is focusing on prioritising the filling of critical posts, in order to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources. To ensure that an efficient service continues to be provided, staff numbers are monitored on a monthly basis, to ensure that we operate within budget and only posts that have been deemed absolutely critical will be filled.

Approval has been given to fill the post in question. In this regard, the Department's Human Resources Division has commenced the process to identify an officer to be assigned to Newmarket.