asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for Social welfare contributors to be clearly informed of their entitlements and, in particular, of the procedure in respect of applying for benefit, of the making of appeals against disallowance and of whatever assistance can be obtained pending the finalisation of an appeal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit Settlement.
8.
Leaflets, dealing in simple form with each benefit provided under the Social Welfare Acts, are available at all offices of the Department, employment exchanges, branch employment offices and local agencies, and may be obtained free of charge by insured persons or any other interested persons. These leaflets contain the necessary information in relation to the qualifying conditions and procedures for claiming the various benefits.
When a claimant for benefit is notified of disallowance of his claim he is advised at the same time of his right of appeal. On making an appeal the appellant is given the opportunity of submitting the facts and contentions on which he intends to rely and is invited to forward any documents in support of his appeal.
Officers of the Department and staffs of employment exchanges and branch employment offices are at the disposal of claimants for advice as to their entitlements to benefits, procedure for making claims and appeals and as to assistance obtainable pending finalisation of appeals.
Having regard to what the Minister said about the availability of forms, is there no indication given in the employment exchanges to the people as to what they should do in regard to matters of this kind? Not everybody realises that there is a form under the counter or on the counter.
They will be given every assistance in making any claim or appeal.
Is there any sign or notice indicating that they may obtain this information? Does the Minister not consider it would be advisable to have such a sign?
I agree it would.
Would the Minister consider the case of rural areas whether he could, through the good offices of the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, make some of these leaflets available at post offices?
Yes, I will consider that.