Vol. 531 No. 3
69 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if any efforts are being made in his Department to establish the number of people who may be eligible to apply for non-contributory pensions; the efforts being made to inform these people of their entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5721/01]
It is an important element of my Department's service to ensure that social welfare beneficiaries receive their full entitlements. A variety of means are used to provide information and advice and these are augmented from time to time in the light of experience.
Information on entitlements is provided in a number of ways. It is disseminated in response to telephone and other enquiries, through booklets and leaflets which are available from a variety of sources, through radio and television interviews and articles in the newspapers.
Information leaflets and booklets relating to each scheme are available from social welfare local offices where staff are in a position to provide detailed information on the full range of services available. Leaflets and booklets may also be obtained at post offices throughout the country.
My Department also has an Internet site on which scheme information is readily available. It can be accessed at www.welfare.ie. Social Welfare information is also provided on RTE's Teletext information system, "Aertel".
Comhairle, formerly the National Social Services Board and the independent voluntary sector also provide a very valuable information service to the public. They complement and enhance the information services provided at local level by the Department. The recent transfer of responsibility for Comhairle to the Department is part of an ongoing process aimed at improving information services to the public.
