Vol. 561 No. 6
26 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of information officers employed in her Department; the location of each officer; the grade of each officer; the responsibilities which they have; the role which they play in disseminating information to the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4855/03]
58 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has satisfied herself that all those eligible for social welfare payments are fully aware of their entitlements to various payments under the social welfare schemes; the steps she is taking to heighten awareness of these schemes among the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4836/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 58 together.
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. I am satisfied that that objective is being met.
My Department ensures that citizens are made aware of new schemes and services through advertising, using an appropriate mix of national and provincial media, and through information leaflets, fact sheets, posters and direct mailshots. Selective use is made of Freephone services to provide information on new schemes and services and at particular times of the year such as budget time. In addition, my Department's schemes and services are publicised on Aertel, RTE's teletext information system, and on our website at www.welfare.ie.
One of the most effective ways we have in reaching out to our customers is through the network of information officers based in the local offices of my Department. There is one information officer located in each of my Department's 57 social welfare local offices who are trained to provide information on all social welfare schemes and services and to advise people on possible entitlements. These staff are at clerical officer level. In addition, information is also available from a further 69 branch offices throughout the country which are operated on a contract basis. There are also two central information offices in Dublin providing information.
Information officers have a wide range of duties in addition to their main duty of dealing with inquiries on social welfare entitlements from personal callers to the Department's offices. They also provide information on social welfare schemes and services at public meetings, exhibitions and other promotional events; they provide talks and presentations to local groups requiring social welfare information relevant to their needs; and they contribute to media campaigns including local radio, as required.
