Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Jun 1994

Vol. 443 No. 7

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Entitlements.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

16 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Social Welfare in view of the findings of a recent survey undertaken by the inner city renewal project and the Ringsend action project which found that 87 per cent of those surveyed were not claiming all the social welfare and health board benefits available to them, the plans, if any, he has to increase awareness among clients of all their entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

I have received a copy of the report prepared by the inner city renewal group and Ringsend action project on welfare take-up in Dublin's inner city.

The report was based on a survey covering 101 households, 92 of which were dependent on social welfare payments and ony nine of which were in receipt of income from employment.

The report states that 87 per cent of those surveyed were not claiming all of their entitlements. This was based on an estimate by those conducting the survey as to what the people concerned might possibly qualify for and the people concerned were advised to make the appropriate claims. In the event one third of possible claims were not pursued by claimants, 27 per cent were found to be ineligible and a further 16 per cent were awaiting decisions at the date of publication of the report. In 137 cases referred as a direct result of this report, community welfare officers were able to assist in 17.5 per cent and a further 15 per cent were under consideration when the report was published.

The largest proportion of non-take-up of benefits identified in this report relates to exceptional needs payments under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. These payments are made on a discretionary basis to meet exceptional needs and an assessment of possible entitlement depends on the circumstances of each particular case. It is not possible to assess in advance the outcome of any particular application. I am taking measures in co-operation with health boards to ensure a greater measure of consistency in the application of the guidelines in relation to those payments throughout the country and to ensure that people are adequately informed of the payments which are available.

The fact that this survey was based on a relatively small number of households in a specific area where a very large proportion are already in receipt of social welfare payments must be borne in mind in considering how representative the results might be. I am concerned that those who depend on the social welfare system for their livelihood are informed and assisted to avail of the full range of payments and services. The provision of simple but comprehensive information remains a priority within my Department. All developments and improvements in social welfare services are widely advertised using a mix of media at local and national level.

Information leaflets and booklets relating to each scheme are available from any of the Department's local offices throughout the country. The network of local offices are computerised and, using a direct link with the central computer records, staff can provide detailed information on the full range of services locally.

I am also aware of the valuable role that the voluntary sector can play in relation to the provision of information. In that connection, I recently hosted a seminar to discuss and plan how my Department can work more closely with community and voluntary groups to ensure that information, advice and assistance is readily available to those who need to access the social welfare services and I will be taking action based on the outcome of these discussions.