Dáil Éireann - Volume 250 - 16 December, 1970

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Department of Social Welfare (Staff Vacancies).

Mr. Bruton Mr. Bruton

46. Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare how many staff vacancies there are currently in his Department; and if staff shortages have in any way delayed the processing of claims.

Mr. J. Brennan Mr. J. Brennan

Mr. J. Brennan: There are currently 43 staff vacancies in my Department. Staff shortages have caused delays in the processing of claims.

Mr. Bruton Mr. Bruton

Mr. Bruton: Does the Minister consider that 43 vacancies are an unduly large number? What action does he propose to take to fill these vacancies? What does he propose to do to make terms of employment in the Department more attractive?

Mr. J. Brennan Mr. J. Brennan

Mr. J. Brennan: These 43 vacancies are not so easily filled because the shortages here are in the senior grades. I have recently got 70 additional clerical assistants, which is a great help, but I have to do everything to bring up the higher grades. The higher grades are much more essential because they deal with matters which can really speed up claims.

Mr. Bruton Mr. Bruton

Mr. Bruton: Does the Minister agree which occur are due to that the delays extent to these staff a very large vacancies?

Mr. J. Brennan Mr. J. Brennan

Mr. J. Brennan: To a great extent, yes.

Mr. Tully Mr. Tully

Mr. Tully: Higher grades can be filled by promotion. It is the lower grades you are not getting.

Mr. J. Brennan Mr. J. Brennan

Mr. J. Brennan: We have recently got 70 clerical assistants.

Mr. Tully Mr. Tully

Mr. Tully: In the lower grades?

Mr. J. Brennan Mr. J. Brennan

Mr. J. Brennan: Yes, within the last two months.

Dáil Éireann 250 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Department of Social Welfare (Staff Vacancies).

Questions

19701216