On the occasion of the episode of the TV show "24 Hours" that aired on 18/02/2023, I express my sympathy to the family and my strong concern about the reports and complaints about the behaviour of Social Welfare Services officials. Neither extortion nor disparaging and/or rude behaviour is acceptable. I have already requested and am awaiting factual reports from all Departments/Services of the Ministry of State, which I will study, and if omissions and errors arise, I will proceed with a disciplinary investigation.
This particular case of asterism was brought to my attention by a citizen last April and immediate action was taken to secure temporary accommodation, then find housing and provide a deposit to cover rent and electricity and water connection costs.
This particular case of asterism was brought to my attention by a citizen last April and immediate action was taken to secure temporary accommodation, then find housing and provide a deposit to cover rent and electricity and water connection costs. In addition, I approved an amount to cover the cost of repairs to the house. Since May until today, the case is being handled by the Social Welfare Services.
On the occasion of the promotion of the advertisement of this broadcast that saw the light of day on 14 February, I asked for a new update, from which it had emerged that following a relevant assessment of the child by the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities in October 2022, the Disability Allowance he was receiving had been suspended.
On the occasion of the promotion of the advertisement of this broadcast that saw the light of day on 14 February, I asked for a new update, from which it had emerged that following a relevant assessment of the child by the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities in October 2022, the Disability Allowance he was receiving had been suspended. I asked for an immediate review of the request since now, as of January 2023, the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities has been transferred to the State Ministry of Social Welfare. The review was completed on 15 February 2023 and the granting of Disability Allowance, as well as Care Allowance, has been approved since February 2023.
I note that since July 2021, when I took over as Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, hundreds of cases of our fellow citizens have come before me, for whom the intervention of the Welfare State was necessary. We handled these cases discreetly, quietly and away from the spotlight with the sole aim of preserving the dignity and protection of our fellow human beings, since many of them concerned persons belonging to vulnerable groups and/or persons at risk of social exclusion. Many of the cases were brought before me by journalists, whom I thank in particular for their sensitivity and discretion in handling the cases, far from populism and attempts to exploit human suffering, since our common goal was the immediate and effective intervention and support of our fellow human beings.
I am fully aware of the weaknesses and pathologies of the existing system, which I have never tried to hide or embellish. Despite the efforts to reduce bureaucracy and change the culture in the services inherited by the newly created Ministry of State, there are still problems and therefore much room for improvement. As I enter the last week of my term of office, I leave as a legacy to the successor Deputy Minister the actions we initiated but did not have time to complete, aimed at timely and effective intervention, reduction of bureaucracy and a holistic approach to managing the problems that plague our fellow human beings in real need.
Respect and dignity for every human being, whatever their economic and social background, are for me non-negotiable principles and we must, whether we hold an office or are ordinary officials, adhere to them.
(MKυ)
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