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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 6

Written Answers. - Pension Rights.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

16 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Social Welfare the method, if any, there is in place to ensure that all pensioners are automatically informed of their current entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5837/97]

I am concerned to ensure that social welfare beneficiaries receive their full entitlements. A variety of means are used for this purpose and these are improved on in the light of experience.

Information on entitlements is widely available. This is disseminated in response to telephone and other inquiries, through booklets and leaflets which are available from a variety of sources, through radio and TV interviews and articles in the newspapers and through pre-retirement courses.

Information leaflets and booklets relating to each scheme are available from any of the network of 58 social welfare local offices around the country. Staff at these offices are in a position to provide detailed information on the full range of services available.

The National Social Services Board and the independent voluntary sector also provide a very valuable service to the public. They complement and enhance the information services provided at local level by my Department. The transfer of responsibility for the National Social Services Board to the Department recognises this and was part of an ongoing process aimed at improving information services to the public.

In addition to these general information services, my Department advises current beneficiaries of their potential entitlements as they approach pension age. People who qualify for old age pensions are also eligible for additional benefits such as free electricity allowance. Full information on these entitlements is supplied to each new pensioner.

The provision of information has been examined as part of the Departments ongoing review of customer service under the strategic management initiative. Arising out of this review I have decided to use paid advertising, starting this year, to publicise pensioner entitlements and the time limits and procedures for applications. This is intended to complement the various initiatives mentioned and to ensure full and timely take-up of benefits to which people are legally entitled.

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