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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Jan 1964

Vol. 207 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Forms and Letters.

70.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that some of the forms and letters with regard to social welfare benefits and assistance sent by his Department to members of the public are couched in terms which are difficult for the average person to understand; and whether he will take steps to have the wording of such forms and letters simplified and clarified.

Because of the numerous and very detailed statutory provisions which apply to the social welfare schemes it is not always possible to dispense with formal words and expressions in documents issuing from my Department to the public. The constant aim, however, is to use simple language as far as possible, and I can assure the Deputy that this has my full support. I am not aware of any categories of correspondence which give rise to particular difficulty of interpretation, but if the Deputy lets me know of any I will have them specially examined.

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