Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 3

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

58 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has carried out research into the number of people who do not claim their legitimate social welfare entitlements; the main reasons for this occurring; and his views on the payment of arrears to them when they discover and apply for their payments. [10494/01]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The main focus of research on benefit take up in Ireland has been the family income supplement scheme where a number of findings indicated that the level of take up of the scheme was low. In the light of that assessment, specific measures were put in place to improve the level of awareness of the scheme and thus promote an increased take up.

The provision of comprehensive information in a clear and simple manner is an essential element in the effective delivery of social welfare services. The underlying objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their entitlements under a broad range of social insurance, social assistance and other supports and are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur.

Staff of my Department participate at public events, promoting all social welfare schemes and advising people on their entitlements. In addition, they provide lectures to a range of organisations, such as employer groups, pre-retirement and voluntary groups.

My Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets covering each social welfare payment or scheme and these are widely available at local level from my Department, from post offices and from other organisations. New schemes, changes and improvements to existing schemes and services are advertised, using an appropriate mix of national and provincial media, Aertel, fact sheets, posters and direct mailshots. Selective use is also made of freephone services to provide information and advice on the introduction of new schemes or, for example, at budget time. The public can also access information on social welfare schemes and services through the Department's website.

Within the next few months, a mailshot will issue to every household in the country outlining my Department's main schemes and the changing role of the Department. The Comhairle agency was established in June 2000 and comes within the remit of my Department. It was formed through a merger of the former National Social Services Board and the former National Rehabilitation Board and provides independent information, advice and other supports to citizens, including people with disabilities.

With regard to late claims and payment of arrears in such cases, I have made a number of improvements to the provisions relating to late social welfare claims, whereby the back dating period has been extended from three months to six or 12 months in most cases and can be backdated further in certain circumstances. The provisions relating to late claims have been subjected to close scrutiny in recent years. There is a general obligation on people to claim their social welfare entitlements in time. However, cases will inevitably arise where they fail to do so and the legislative provisions are designed to cater for such situations.