Vol. 558 No. 5
84 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she can assure households whose circumstances make them eligible for more than one type of social welfare payment that they will receive the full benefits of cash and non-cash benefits pertaining to their situation. [24754/02]
My Department is committed to delivering a quality, comprehensive and up to date information service to all customers. It is the policy to make people aware of all their entitlements under the social welfare system when they make an application for any social welfare payment.
The information services unit in my Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets covering each social welfare payment and these are widely available across the country from the Department's local offices, post offices, citizens information centres and from many other local organisations.
There is a national network of information officers based in the Department's local offices who are trained to give information on all social welfare schemes and services and to advise people on all their entitlements. Support is also provided through Comhairle, to a network of 85 citizens information centres whose role is to provide information to the public on all social services.
Application forms for various benefits and pensions indicate any secondary benefits that are available with the particular scheme or pension. We have produced this year a new household benefits package booklet which gives a very comprehensive account of the free schemes.
My Department ensures that citizens are made aware of new schemes and services by advertising these initiatives in all national and provincial newspapers. All changes and improvements in schemes are advertised as they occur. The Department's services are publicised on Aertel, RTE's teletext information system and on the Department's website at www.welfare.ie.
