Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
341 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the languages that can be used in order to communicate with customers of his Department; if customers of his Department can be communicated with using Braille, large print, audio cassette or computer disk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31320/04]
View answerMy Department endeavours to ensure appropriate access to information on social welfare schemes and services for all customers including those whose first language is not English and those who have special needs.
An interpretation service for the Department's non-English speaking customers is available by way of a three-way telephone link. This service is currently in operation in ten social welfare local offices around the country.
The Department provides cassette recordings of its range of information leaflets on request. In addition, information leaflets and other information material is provided in Braille, in large print format and on computer disk on request. A video phone link has been introduced on a pilot basis to help people with hearing difficulties access services. This facility is based in the social welfare local office in Cork and operates in co-operation with the Cork Association for the Deaf.
The Department's website, www.welfare.ie, is fully compliant with international disability standards and has a link to the National Association for Deaf People (Ireland). An e-mail address, info@welfare.ie, is also available for all queries from members of the public including those with special needs. The installation of counter loop systems is included as part of the planned upgrade of local offices. To date, four local offices have been upgraded with this system.
The national information agency, Comhairle, which comes under the aegis of my Department, is committed to the delivery of a fully accessible information, advice and advocacy service for all citizens. It ensures that its information products and services are disability, poverty and equality proofed. Publications are currently available in a variety of formats. Comhairle offices and the network of Citizen's Information Centres around the country have portable loop systems installed.
