Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 375: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the procedures for persons applying for social welfare who have literacy problems or reading and writing disabilities; the way these options are communicated clearly to social welfare applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9730/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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My Department facilitates access to information on social welfare entitlements for citizens who have literacy problems or reading and writing disabilities.

Written information, including forms and leaflets, is provided in a format accessible for people with specific needs, such as braille, audio tape or large print, on request.

My Department has worked in partnership with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) to implement a "Plain English" policy to ensure that all forms and leaflets are produced in a simple, clear, easy to read format that is accessible to people with different levels of literacy ability. Staff of the Department have undergone training on 'Plain English' guidelines by a NALA representative. Information on the range of schemes and services provided by the Department, including documents of interest to people with disabilities, is published on the website www.welfare.ie in accessible HTML code. This allows customers to view these documents in large print view, high contrast view or, alternatively, to use assistive technology to access the content.

Customers with literacy difficulties may also get assistance in relation to their entitlements or help in completing their forms by contacting my Department directly by telephone or in person at any one of my Department's social welfare local offices or branch offices. Customers may also receive help with any aspect of their application from staff of the Citizens Information Board, which receives funding from my Department.