The provision of comprehensive information in a clear and simple manner is an essential element in the effective delivery of social welfare services. The underlying objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their entitlements under a broad range of social insurance, social assistance and other supports and are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur. I am satisfied that the objective is being met.
My Department ensures that citizens are made aware of new schemes and services through advertising, using an appropriate mix of national and provincial media, and information leaflets, fact sheets, posters and direct mail shots. Selective use is made of the freephone telephone service to provide information on new schemes and services and at particular times of the year, for example, at budget time. In addition, my Department's schemes and services are published on RTE's teletext service, AERTEL, and on our website at www.welfare.ie. All new mothers receive a bounty pack, which includes a booklet and a claim form on child benefit, prior to leaving maternity hospitals.
A recent newspaper article dated 18 June, identified a discrepancy of 52,000 between the number of children under 16 years of age who are entitled to child benefit and the number of those in payment by the Department. Figures released by the CSO show that according to the census of 2002, there were 888,310 children under the age of 16 years. The number of children in receipt of child benefit from the Department on 30 April 2002 was 878,870, with another 8,000 claims being processed by my Department. The discrepancy between the two figures is 1,440, which is different to the discrepancy of 52,000 quoted in the newspaper article.
My Department is aware that a small number of families do not claim child benefit. A new initiative will begin this summer where all mothers of new babies will receive an invitation to apply for child benefit. Mothers of new babies who have already submitted a child benefit claim for another child will automatically receive benefit for the new baby. I am satisfied that the new arrangements and the information services provided by my Department will address the issue effectively and help to ensure that all those entitled to receive child benefit payments receive them.