Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Citizens Information Bill, the aim of which is to modernise the provision of information on all social services to all citizens, information that should be available to everyone. All public representatives have first-hand experience of providing as much information as possible to citizens. I congratulate the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and his staff on bringing this Bill into the House and the work they have done on it.

Many Members spoke about the effect this Bill will have on people with intellectual disabilities. It would be remiss of me not to congratulate those involved in St. Joseph's Foundation in Charleville. They do excellent work for those with intellectual disabilities from my part of County Cork and parts of County Limerick. As public representatives, we work hard with community groups and sporting organisations to advance the facilities available to them. The work done by the staff and management of St. Joseph's Foundation for people with intellectual disabilities is unmatched in any community group. I wish them well. They are always seeking funding to expand their services and it is good to see they have not lost their appetite. They formed the organisation in 1968 and have pushed the boundaries on funding for a wide range of initiatives ever since.

As many Members know, often citizens are not aware of their rights and entitlements. A week ago I met the Carers Network for an informal discussion on the information and support available from the State. Anomalies have arisen with PRSI and pensions and many people have found they are unable to claim their full State pension at 65 or 66. Information is sent out by both the State and individual Deputies but there are issues such as the farm retirement pension, where people stopped paying PRSI because they thought it was no longer necessary. When they reach the age of 65, however, the State pension is no longer available to them.

Problems exist throughout the system. Women who left the workforce to work full time in the home and returned to work when their families are raised have a gap in payments that reduces their pension. We must look at these anomalies to ensure that those who have given up their PRSI contributions should be able to find information about paying PRSI to ensure they will receive a State pension. I come across people who feel hard done by as a result of this.

I welcome the proposal in the Bill to communicate with all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, including those with disabilities. The Bill introduces a personal advocacy service for those with disabilities who have, for one reason or another, trouble obtaining social services. This is an encouraging initiative that assigns personal advocates to people with disabilities who often face difficulties when applying for social services. This clearly shows the Government's commitment to deliver for those in our society with a disability and to give them the greatest possible chance of full integration into society.

The advocacy functions are clearly defined in the Bill as assisting, supporting and representing the people when trying to obtain a social service, pursuing any appeal on behalf of that person and providing support and training. The appointment of a director of personal advocacy is a vital step towards ensuring that what is proposed in the Bill is successful in its operation. I am encouraged that all queries can now be dealt with under the banner of citizens information. Prior to this, various groups dealt with various issues.

We must seize the opportunity to sell the citizens information concept to the public. An advertising campaign will inform people of the new service and the easily accessible website that replaces the old site, which has served its purpose, and a single telephone number, essential components in this new structure. The Minister has factored this into the picture when selling the service. We must harness new technologies to make the accessing of information simpler and the information itself more user-friendly and readily available. This is a major issue because many of those who contact us are looking for information in simple English.

This Bill provides for those with disabilities in a new and modern way and gives the necessary information so that people can be confident of receiving all the welfare payments to which they are entitled. This new service is progressive for the most vulnerable groups in society and will result in a significant improvement in the position of people with disabilities by removing any difficulties in applying for or obtaining a social service.

I welcome the launch of the citizens information strategy for 2006-09, which will meet the needs of modern Ireland. In this plan, the delivery of independent, accurate and integrated information is a priority. This is of the utmost importance to those in society who, until now, found it difficult to access information. The information strategy for citizens must incorporate information from all Departments, with consumer and farming information. The provision of concise, unambiguous, accurate and independent information has a role to play in breaking down barriers, opening up opportunities and allowing the most vulnerable citizens in society the chance to improve their situation and to build a better life.

The Minister's commitment that the information will be funded must be complimented. In the period 2006-07, €55 million will be provided to expand citizens information services and to ensure the proposals in the Bill are enacted. Like any legislation we pass, the most important thing is that the resources are provided to ensure its enactment. I have mentioned the need for concise information centres for citizens of this country from all backgrounds. It is now up to Departments to look at the Minister's blueprint, embrace it and ensure its implementation. Many Departments do excellent work but there is no contact with other Departments to ensure the joined-up thinking we need. This legislation will ensure Departments provide information for those with intellectual disabilities. The Government is making a serious effort to address these issues.

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