Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits Information.
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:
179
Mr. Moynihan
asked the
Minister for Social Welfare
if there is responsibility on both local and national social welfare offices to provide insured workers with any information they may require, relating to current or former benefits.
There is an extensive range of information leaflets available from the Department covering every aspect of entitlement. My Department undertake advertising campaigns to highlight client awareness of the services obtainable and provides a support service to voluntary groups in advising the public of their rights.
The Department's services have recently been reorganised into eight regions, each with a regional manager. The managers are charged with the responsibility to broaden the support afforded to clients at each local office. The services available will include a comprehensive information service, faster response to inquiries, local expertise on welfare matters and facilities to process disability benefit and pension claims.
In the case of inquiries from clients regarding their individual entitlement, information can be provided by the staff in most local offices of my Department from direct access to the Department's computerised information system.
The Department's local information centres in the Deputy's area are situated at: Listowel Employment Exchange, The Square — 068-21677; and Tralee Employment Exchange, Godfrey Place — 066-22166
Public offices of the Department are also situated in the following locations: Employment Exchange, St. Brendan's Terrace, Cahirciveen — 066-72098; Employment Office, Main Street, Dingle — 066-51153; Employment Office, Market Street, Kenmare — 064-41308; Employment Office, 68 New Street, Killarney — 064-32117; and Employment Office, Lower Bridge Street, Killorglin — 066-61227.
