Written answers

Thursday, 22 February 2007

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Departmental Properties

6:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 177: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason his office at Oisín House was closed; and the way persons can access social welfare information without contacting politicians. [6965/07]

Photo of Séamus BrennanSéamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department operates a network of 130 local offices and branch offices throughout the country. In the greater Dublin area there are currently sixteen Social Welfare Local Offices from which members of the general public may obtain information on the Department's schemes and services. Each Office has officers who are dedicated to providing information and are available to explain supports and services and to help and assist people in completing forms and accessing their entitlements. The work previously undertaken by the public office based in Oisín House has now been taken over by these offices in Dublin.

Information services have been enhanced in the local offices in recent years. Therefore it was decided that the local offices would be the most appropriate outlets for information services and that services previously provided at Oisín House should, in future, be provided from the Dublin-based offices, in particular Apollo House in Tara Street. Oisín House was closed on 13th April 2006 and at the same time the general enquiry telephone service provided by the Information Services Section was extended and enhanced. A LoCall number 1890 66 22 44 is now in operation which enables customers, regardless of their geographic location, to contact the Section for the cost of a local call.

In addition, there are a number of other means by which members of the general public may access social welfare information without contacting politicians. Presentations and talks are given by staff of my Department to various interest groups relevant to their needs and my Department also attends exhibitions and seminars throughout the country promoting information on social welfare rights and entitlements.

My Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets covering each social welfare payment or scheme. Information leaflets are available in a wide range of outlets across the country, including all Social Welfare Local Offices, Citizens Information Centres, Post Offices and from my Department's LoCall Leaflet Line at 1890 20 23 25. Information is also provided on my Department's website at www.welfare.ie.

A proactive approach is taken in advertising new schemes and 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. My Department also works closely with the Citizens Information Board which provides information on social services through its nationwide network of Citizen Information Centres (CICs), the Citizens Information website and phone service.

A number of voluntary organisations are also funded by my Department for the provision of welfare rights and information services for groups such as lone parents, the unemployed, immigrants, returning emigrants, older people and carers.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.