asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department has carried out any survey to establish the level of non-take up of social welfare benefits; if any such survey is planned; if he has any plans for a publicity campaign to ensure that all potential claimants are aware of their full entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
25.
The recently published ESRI Report on Poverty commissioned by my Department contained certain information about non take-up of social welfare benefits. Accurate information in this area is very difficult to obtain and the ESRI will be further refining their conclusions in this area. In relation to the family income supplement scheme I have received a draft report from a consultant whom I had engaged to review the scheme and to look at the level of take-up which is a major issue in relation to that scheme. The draft report is being considered by my Department at present.
As far as publicity is concerned, my Department pursued a very active policy to increase public awareness of the services available by providing a wide range of information on its schemes and services.
There are currently 34 public offices and information centres around the country providing an information service to the public on all aspects of social welfare entitlements. In addition a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets is available. New leaflets are added as the need arises and these are advertised extensively. It is my policy to upgrade and simplify all departmental leaflets and booklets and in line with this policy I recently launched a new leaflet which summarises, in a convenient pocket guide, when, where and how to claim the various social welfare payments. The issue of this new guide was widely publicised in the media.
Research into the area of public information suggests that most people prefer one-to-one personal contact when they want help in social welfare matters. For this reason information officers are being located in most of our social welfare offices. Similarly officers of my Department participate on a regular basis in a variety of talks, lectures and seminars to different groups.
I am of course concerned that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure that all persons who have entitlements under our social welfare system are fully aware of them. In this connection the methods of disseminating information are subject to continual review and are improved and developed as resources permit.