Processing talks underway at DEASP
by Róisín McKane and Derek Mullen
 
“This is one of the single biggest change initiatives we have seen, certainly since the creation of Intreo Centres and the merger with the Community Welfare Service and FÁS.” said Paul
“This is one of the single biggest change initiatives we have seen, certainly since the creation of Intreo Centres and the merger with the Community Welfare Service and FÁS.” said Paul

Fórsa is continuing in negotiations with the Department of Employee Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) regarding their proposed introduction of a new operational model to process jobseeker claims.

 

The proposed changes would see some 600 members move to a virtual central processing unit to process claims, with hundreds of deciding officers working remotely.

 

The proposal follows an earlier initiative, front office/back office (FOBO), which had been under discussion before the pandemic, but has subsequently seen operational changes in light of the experience of members processing claims during the Covid-19 crisis. 

 

Civil service head Derek Mullen explained that traditional face-to-face processing has caused difficulty in the current climate.

 

“It’s anticipated by management that the online claim mechanism will become the channel of choice for customers, meaning less customer traffic at Intreo Offices,” he said.

 

Protection

Derek advised that Intreo Centres will continue to have a major role to play, carrying out their usual range of functions, and central processing staff will still be linked to their local office.

 

“Fórsa has secured commitments for the protection of the Intreo Centre network. Following the Government’s job stimulus package, we expect investment in resources countrywide,” he said.

 

“We are also seeking, among other things, commitments on overall staffing numbers being maintained and improved, and agreement on the arrangements for the additional remote workers envisaged in this proposal,” said Derek.  

 

Commitments

DEASP official Paul MacSweeney explained that although negotiations are still ongoing, commitments have already been received, securing a blended model of working which envisages regular time at the office for those who will be working remotely.

 

Paul added “This is one of the single biggest change initiatives we have seen, certainly since the creation of Intreo Centres, and the merger with the Community Welfare Service and FAS,”

 

“While Fórsa welcomes the long-term option to work from home for many of our members, under these proposals, there are still a number of outstanding issues we have sought clarification on, which will be considered by our representatives on receipt” he said.

 

 

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