Written answers

Tuesday, 10 October 2006

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Benefits

9:00 pm

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on a national advertising campaign to promote greater awareness of social welfare entitlements, similar to the campaign being run by the Revenue Commissioners to promote greater awareness of tax allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31749/06]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The primary objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their rights and entitlements and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements in schemes and services as they occur. The provision of information in a clear and accessible manner is an essential element in the achievement of this objective.

My Department takes a pro-active approach in advertising its schemes and services, by using an appropriate mix of national and provincial media, information leaflets, fact sheets, posters, direct mailshots, advertising on plasma television screens in over 60 Credit Unions nationwide and the distribution of information booklets to health centres throughout the country. Selective use is made of LoCall and Freephone services to provide information on new schemes and services at particular times of the year such as Budget time.

In addition, national advertising campaigns are undertaken periodically to promote greater awareness of a specific scheme or highlight easing of qualifying conditions for schemes and services. During 2006 to date, three such campaigns have been undertaken.

In March, my Department undertook a nationwide awareness campaign to promote and encourage take up of the Family Income Supplement (FIS) scheme. An extensive week-long campaign included advertising on television, on national and local radio and in national and regional newspapers.

In August, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance was advertised in national and regional newspapers.

During the last week of September, an information campaign was conducted on television, on national and local radio and in national and regional newspapers to raise public awareness of supports for carers. The campaign promoted Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit and the Respite Care Grant.

A LoCall helpline was provided for all three campaigns. In addition to the LoCall number, our campaigns also highlight other sources of information available to the public, including my Department's network of Social Welfare Local Offices, Citizens Information Centres and my Department's website. The response to the campaigns have been encouraging and resulted in increases in the numbers applying for, and qualifying for, each of the support schemes.

In view of the wide and varied range of services available from my Department, nationwide campaigns are designed to highlight specific schemes and services. Targeted advertising campaigns focusing on specific schemes and services will continue to be a key priority for me in the drive to ensure that citizens are aware of and claim their social welfare entitlements.

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