Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
883. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider launching an awareness campaign for the household benefit package targeted towards persons over 70 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56760/23]
View answerMy Department administers over 90 separate schemes and services, which affect the lives of almost every person in the State. My Department is fully committed to ensuring that members of the general public are fully aware of the welfare supports and services available, and to ensuring key changes are communicated to them.
The Department of Social Protection offers a range of services for vulnerable groups, including supporting people as they get older. In August 2022 my Department ran a public information campaign on radio, print and social media channels at a local and national level to increase awareness of the household benefits package, and a new easy to use online application process.
Throughout 2023 we shared organic posts across our social media channels, so that newly eligible citizens are aware of the package and how they can go about applying for it.
As part of the cross government 2022/23 'Reduce Your Use' campaign we provided content on this support for inclusion on the gov.ie campaign site, and in the SEAI Keeping Warm and Well leaflet which is published on their website and distributed to vulnerable groups.
A 2024 public information campaign is under consideration as part of our annual communications planning process.
