To: All Members DSP
Date: 28^th October 2016
Circ: 118/16
Re: Updates on Scanning, PSC and BOMi

Colleagues,

Scanning

The union has arranged to meet the Management of RSU to confirm proposals related to the placement of desktop scanning equipment in Intreo Glassless reception areas. The union has advised management of the proposed light touch interaction with the public in these areas and is concerned that the requirement to scan documents and materials would lengthen queues that may lead to frustration and incidents. Members will be shortly advised of developments in this regard

Public Service Card (PSC)

The union would like to advise members in relation to the operations of mobile Public Service Card operations. If members are required to operate the (PSC) in a mobile capacity i.e. outside of their office location, they should do so with the assistance of at least a Staff Officer or an Executive Officer. They should also be mindful of their health and safety when undertaking workplace duties outside their normal place of employment.

The union was advised in August of plans to trial an out of hours service in relation to the PSC registration in a number of locations. It is now planned that a trial will take place in one location (D’Olier House) on two Saturdays and/or two Thursday evenings between now and the end of the year, starting in late-November.  This would be subject to the voluntary participation of a sufficient cohort of staff on overtime and a reasonable interest from customers in participating. There is no intention of opening offices to the public on a drop in basis, members of the public will attend by invitation only.

Staffing

The union has written to management advising them of the concern and anger related to a proposal to reduce staff numbers in the Department. The union was advised that he Department of Expenditure and reform (DPER) are insisting on a reduction of numbers. The union have requested a meeting to determine where and in what locations likely cuts to TCO contracts and the non-appointment of identified Staff Officer posts will be as well as other related matters.

BOMi4 Training

The union has written to management following discussion at the DSP National Committee related to proposed training for CO and SO grades on BOMi4. The union have pointed to the deficiencies in training that members have encountered and expect that further training measures will be put in place shortly as indicated in a recent letter from DSP management.

BOMi4 Dispute

The adjudication decision requiring Clerical Officers to undertake complex decisions as part of an Integrated Decision Team is being tested in some areas of the country. Management were attempting to require CO’s to make decisions in areas outside of the Integrated Decision Teams. If accepted the Technical Group Report wold have been made redundant as it specifically states the level of grade with responsibility for certain schemes and duties. The union is considering a letter from management that is advising of a dispute based on their interpretation of the Adjudication Finding and the requirement for CPSU to operate under protest whilst the Adjudication is being arranged. The union will advise members of any updated position in this regard. In the meantime members are advised to refer to CPSU Circular 105/16 if there is any doubt regarding the requirement to undertake decisions in areas outside of the Integrated Decision Teams.

 Intreo Reception Areas Garda Work Stoppage

The union await a response on the matter of the provision of Health and Safety to those members who operate in the glassless receptions of Intreo Offices. In the event of the Garda work stoppage going ahead members in these areas will be without a key component of a health and safety commitment from management. Members will be advised when an official response is received, expected next week.

Yours fraternally

Des Fagan