Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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583. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the social welfare inspector who retired in Portlaoise some months ago will be replaced in view of the fact that the shortage of staff is causing long delays in processing claims for welfare benefits. [41614/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department, like all Government Departments and agencies, is required to operate within a staff ceiling figure and a commensurate administrative staffing budget.

Within these constraints, my Department is focusing on prioritising the filling of critical posts. The staffing needs for all offices of my Department are continuously reviewed, taking account of workloads, management priorities and the competing demands arising, to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes operated by the Department.

The Social Welfare Inspector vacancy in Portlaoise which recently arose through retirement has been approved for filling and a request has been made to the Public Appointments Service for a replacement.