164 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the steps he is taking to settle the ongoing dispute in the child benefit section of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31136/01]

The dispute in the Department's office in Letterkenny arose initially out of the filling of three additional temporary posts in the office by the recruitment of staff on short-term contracts. The staff are required for a limited period for work associated with the introduction of a new system for the delivery of child benefit from that office. In addition to child benefit, the office also administers treatment benefit which comprises dental and optical benefits and medical appliances.