Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I, too, welcome the Minister and the introduction of the Bill. I have experience of what was then the Department of Social Welfare, now the Department of Social and Family Affairs, and this legislation will enhance the vital services that Department provides throughout the country. In the information society in which we now live, the provision of accurate and concise information in a speedy manner is more or less expected, especially when it comes to people's rights and entitlements. People not being aware of their entitlements and rights has always been an issue and for many years the Department of Social and Family Affairs was accused of not giving enough information. My experience is that it is a Department which embraced technology at an early stage and attempted to provide as much accurate information as possible in as speedy a manner as possible. Employment exchanges, for instance, were the first organisations to computerise their systems and the changes suggested in this Bill, particularly from an information provision point of view, will enhance the existing service.

In a sense we have come full circle with the Department because this legislation is an attempt to make as much information as possible available to as many people as necessary, especially those with disabilities or people in vulnerable sections of society who may not have access to information to determine their rights. This legislation is welcome in that regard.

When we consider that more than 1.5 million people access welfare services every year and almost 1 million payments are made by the Department, in most cases to people in the most vulnerable sections of our society, the speedy provision of accurate information is crucial because it not only benefits the person receiving the information or a benefit but also the staff who provide that service whose lives are made much easier. I am aware from speaking to people working in the sector that they want to give as much information as possible and this legislation is an attempt to facilitate that.

The Bill does not just deal with welfare issues; it covers housing, employment, health and education. Successive Governments have placed much emphasis on consumer rights and we now have a range of services dealing specifically with consumer rights. This Bill is another brick in that wall and it will ensure that people get what they are entitled to in a speedy manner and that as much information as possible is provided.

The Bill will streamline the provision of information on a wide range of topics. Along with most public representatives, I have had experience of the citizens information centres. The 235 centres throughout the country play a major role and provide an excellent service in their communities. As public representatives, we have all had experience of people coming to our clinics seeking information, and in some cases we advise them to go to the citizens information centre, which is probably the quickest way to get the information they require. We can follow up the representation by writing a letter and so on but if they go to their local citizens information centre, they will get the information they need.

There is a very busy citizens information centre in the heart of the city which provides a wide range of services, including legal services, health services and information on the various offices where one can get relevant information. That centre plays a major role in the community. This Bill will streamline that service and pull together the three strands that existed previously, including the Oasis service, the telephone line and the citizens information service.

An examination of the figures in that regard reveal that in 2005, the Oasis website reached nearly 2.5 million people. The citizens information service dealt with almost 734,000 queries and the citizens information telephone service dealt with almost 88,000 queries. The need for this service has been proven and the changes suggested in this legislation will make access to information much easier for people.

The new communities being set up by those who come here from another country is an issue, particularly in respect of their rights and entitlements. This service will provide information on asylum and immigration but also on the requirements involved and what is expected of people coming to this country. From that point of view, the legislation will help deal with some of the issues being experienced in certain areas.

People with disabilities were mentioned. In my experience, many people with varying degrees of disability are quite capable of being their own advocate. The thrust of this Bill is to assist those who are not in a position to put their point of view. We have all had experience of people with disabilities who would have no contact with services, established groups or organisations, or any of the support groups and whose only support came from their immediate family. Those people will be given the opportunity to support their family members in a particular way and be an advocate for them. That is to be welcomed.

The provisions in the Bill will encourage full participation in society, which links in directly with the strategy on the provision of services for people with disabilities. I have had experience of groups such as the centres for independent living and Vantastic which provide services for people with disabilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week and ensure they can participate in life in general but especially in their own communities. Without that help, those people would be unable to do that. I have known individuals who had particular issues with which they could not get any help. When someone has a disability, it is much more difficult to get information or access a particular entitlement. This legislation will make life much easier for people at the centre of the services.

The personal advocacy service allows a family member, carer or helper from one of the groups or organisations assist a person in getting information or access to benefits. Not every disabled person is linked in to an organisation and this legislation will strengthen their position in that regard.

On section 4 and voluntary bodies that seek funding, I have had much experience of the funding administered by the Department. In some cases it might be a relatively small amount of money but it can make a significant difference to the group concerned. The more streamlined and accessible that funding, the better because the effects are immediately beneficial to the groups and organisations requiring it.

The provision of independent, clear and accessible information has a central role in helping to break down barriers and eases people's anxieties. It can require great effort for an individual to go through his or her personal details with an adviser. It can be harder when the individual has a disability or cannot convey what he or she wants to express. The provision of information is crucial to allowing easier access to entitlements. Better still, it saves individuals from worry, heartache and effort. The more that can be done to streamline the service, the better. This legislation will benefit people in this regard.

A commitment has been made to increase funding for the new citizens information board and expand the services. Total funding of €55 million will be provided in 2006 and 2007, a sign of the Minister's commitment to implementing an essential service. Citizens information centres play a large role in local communities, not just in urban areas but rural areas where people can be isolated. These centres allow people to walk in off the street, gain quick access to information or application forms.

A significant number of people do not know what services are provided by citizen information services. I am glad a nationwide high profile information and awareness campaign will be undertaken to ensure people are aware of the services and information available. With a service such as this, people have to be actively encouraged to take advantage of it. If not, then the accusation can be made that people are being prevented from applying for services.

I welcome the legislation as it will make matters concerning entitlements easier for people. The service will become user-friendly and enhance people's opportunity to access their entitlements. Over the years the functions of employment exchanges have changed dramatically. I recall the time when the queues at exchanges would be out the door but these days they are used for a myriad of different benefits and entitlements. While it is welcome that we no longer have an unemployment problem, we must acknowledge the service has changed. It is in everyone's interest if we can continue to provide a quality social welfare service with concise information. The Bill goes a long way in improving the excellent services provided by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.