Staff dispute ‘limiting reform of stretched welfare system’

A PROTRACTED industrial relations dispute is restricting reforms of the community welfare system struggling under demand from people losing their jobs.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen accepted the system was under severe pressure due to claims from people who had lost their jobs.

Mr Cowen said staff were being reallocated but the situation was complicated because of problems arising from the switch between the Health Service Executive and the Department of Social Welfare.