Written Answers Nos. 48-55
48. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a widow's contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7229/15]
View answerFollowing a recent decision by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the widow's non-contributory pension application of the person concerned, their application for widow's contributory pension is being reviewed by a Deciding Officer. On completion of the review, the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.
In the meantime, the person concerned will continue to receive their widow's non-contributory pension entitlement.
49. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she is implementing a plain English policy, as outlined by the National Adult Literacy Agency, in her Department's communications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7289/15]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection is committed to the provision of information to all of its customers in clear and easy to access formats, which adhere to the guidelines outlined by the National Adult Literacy Agency. The Department fully recognises the barrier that literacy difficulties can cause for individuals trying to gain an understanding of and access to services and supports available. Accordingly, the Department produced, in consultation with the National Adult Literacy Agency, a Style Guide to inform and direct the design and content of its primary application forms. The Style Guide, based on the plain English principles of simplicity and clarity, includes general writing guidelines and advice to achieve consistency in presentation and phrasing across many of the Departments communications and in particular, its application forms.
Information on the range of schemes and services offered by the Department is published in plain English on the Department's website www.welfare.ie. The website fully complies with the National Disability Authority's Web Accessibility Guidelines, which allows customers to view documents in large print, high contrast or alternatively to use assistive technology to access the content they require. The Department also provides information in alternative formats such as Braille and audio upon request. The services of a Sign Language Interpreter are also made available, as required.
51. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the number of community employment scheme posts which have been vacant for three months or more; the sectors with the highest vacancy rate; the steps she is taking to address such vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7295/15]
View answerThe statistics sought by the Deputy are not readily available in the Department and will have to be compiled. Officials will contact the Deputy directly when the information has been gathered. However, it is important to point out that the Department - through its network of Intreo offices - makes every effort to ensure that there is maximum take-up of CE places by jobseekers and other vulnerable groups.
52. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will increase a rent allowance payment in respect of a person (details supplied) to prevent them from going homeless; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7325/15]
View answerAccording to the records of this Department no documentation has been supplied by the person concerned to confirm a recent change in her rent payable. Rent supplement forms will be forwarded by the local Community Welfare Service to the person concerned for completion and to facilitate a full review of her current rent supplement.
