Vol. 472 No. 3
234 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the bureaucratic and practical problems experienced by women when they attempt to sign on; if he will consider launching a national campaign to inform women of their right to be included on the live register and ensure that they are made fully aware of the social welfare system, particularly in relation to unemployment assistance and training schemes. [23291/96]
Any unemployed person, whether male or female, who is capable of, available for and genuinely seeking work is entitled to make a claim for unemployment benefit or assistance. To qualify for payment the person must also satisfy contribution conditions in the case of unemployment benefit or a means test in the case of unemployment assistance. Each claim has to be fully investigated to see if the conditions are satisfied and my Department seeks to carry out this function in an efficient, speedy and courteous manner. People may also maintain a record of social insurance contributions by signing on for credited contributions provided they have had a fairly recent record of contributions. The live register includes people claiming unemployment benefit or assistance and people entitled to sign for credits.
The provision of comprehensive information in a clear and simple manner is an essential element in the effective delivery of social welfare services. It remains a priority within my Department to ensure people are fully aware of their rights and advised and assisted when the need arises to avail of benefits or allowances to which they are entitled. Information leaflets and booklets relating to each scheme are available from any of the social welfare offices throughout the country. Each office is in a position to provide detailed information on the full range of services.
Apart from social welfare payment schemes there is a range of training-education-employment opportunities which are directed at people on the live register. My Department does not place any barriers in the way of people signing on the live register where they are entitled to do so, in order to qualify for such schemes. I share the Deputy's concern that some people may not be aware of all the opportunities available to them. In this context, I am planning to undertake a public information programme in the new year aimed at raising awareness for unemployed persons.
