"We have been bringing these problems to the attention of the minister for a number of months so it is encouraging that they have now at least recognized there are problems and something has to be done about it," said Butler. "Up to this point, the strategy of the minister has been to deny that any problems exist.

"Very little has been done so far and it is my understanding that, at this point, rather than things getting better they are still deteriorating. The few staff that have been hired do not come near to replacing the number of people they are down. It also appears that the transition to the new data system is also exasperating the problems which exist because all staff are being taken away from their regular duties to do a week long training session on how to operate the new system.

"I would like to know the details of the plan the minister has for addressing these issues. For example, will replacement staff be put in place to cover off all those that are currently on leave? Will enough new people be hired to clear up the backlogs? What kind of changes will be made to the inquiry system at the office on Water Street? Will the phone system be improved to provide better services for people calling in?"

The Opposition critic said it is not accurate for the minister and her communications spokesperson to blame the deficiencies on a higher than normal vacancy rate due to sick leave and resignations. "I have been hearing that there have been some long-term problems with staffing levels which have in part caused more sick leave and resignations because workers are under too much pressure as a result of the terrible work environment."

The problems in this department are more severe but are not an isolated incident. Similar problems exist in other departments because of budgetary cuts implemented by the Conservative government. There are backlogs in processing drivers licences, hunting licences and other services of government. Butler says the problems in HRLE are impacting on some of the poorest people in our society and could be preventing them from attending to things like medical situations. He feels the government really has to look at what kind of society they are creating when they make these kind of cuts and what will be the long-term consequences.

"I intend to monitor this situation very closely and if the problems which exist are not being dealt with I will be speaking publicly on this issue again."