asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider taking steps to make more widely known, if possible by public advertisement, the statutory periods within which claims must be made in respect of marriage and other benefits provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1952.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare: Benefits Claims.
I am arranging to have an examination made in my Department as to the best method of providing additional publicity regarding the prescribed periods within which claims must be made for marriage benefits and other benefits payable under the Social Welfare Act, 1952. I would direct the Deputy's attention to the fact that leaflets, dealing in simple form with each benefit provided under the Act, are available at all offices of the Department, employment exchanges, branch employment offices and local agencies, and may be obtained free of charge by insured persons or any other interested persons. These leaflets contain the necessary information in relation to the prescribed periods for claiming the various benefits.
Would the Minister consider going a little bit further and having these free leaflets sent to different firms and employers for circulation amongst the employees who are invariably unaware that they are entitled to benefits?
I have under consideration a proposal to issue to insured persons and, in certain cases, to employers a comprehensive leaflet on all these benefits.
Thank you.