Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has carried out research into the barriers older persons encounter when trying to access information; if not, the reason therefor; the barriers which were identified as a result of this research; the action he has taken to address these barriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30870/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has not undertaken any specific research along the lines suggested by the Deputy regarding the information needs of older citizens. However, Comhairle, the national information agency which operates under the aegis of my Department, has recently funded Age Action Ireland, a voluntary organisation to carry out a research project entitled, Uptake of Social Welfare Benefits by Older People. A draft report on this research has recently been received in my Department and the findings and recommendations will be discussed with Age Action Ireland in due course. The provision of comprehensive information in a clear and simple manner is an essential element in the effective delivery of social welfare services.

My Department's information policy is designed to ensure that all citizens, including older persons, are made aware of their entitlements in a timely fashion and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements in schemes and services as they occur. We work closely with NALA to achieve our aims to provide information in a clear and comprehensive way. Difficulties and barriers identified during customer consultation sessions are eliminated as required.

Our customer groups have indicated their satisfaction with the level of information available from the Department and with our methods of dissemination. My Department takes a pro-active approach in advertising new schemes, together with changes and improvements to existing schemes and services, by using an appropriate mix of national and provincial media, information leaflets, fact sheets, posters and direct mailshots. We have, in the past, issued direct information booklets to all our pensioners outlining the supports and services available to them from the Department.

Staff of my Department promote social welfare entitlement take-up by participating in public events. For example, my Department had a stand at the over-50s exhibition last weekend in the RDS where staff dealt with many queries regarding pensions and issues of interest to older people.

Information staff give talks to many organisations, including those offering pre-retirement seminars and courses. They also provide presentations on social welfare entitlements to voluntary and community groups. My Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets covering each social welfare payment or scheme. One such leaflet is Checklist for Pensioners. These information booklets are available in a wide range of outlets country-wide including all social welfare local offices, citizen's information centres, post offices and indeed in a wide range of other organisations such as local community centres.

In addition to the above, the central information services unit in my Department operates a telephone information service for the public and an information officer is located in each of the social welfare local offices around the country. Information officers are available to explain all our supports and services to our older citizens and to help and assist them in completing forms and accessing their entitlements.

I am satisfied that my Department provides a comprehensive and quality information service to all our customers including services to older people.