Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the ongoing action he will take to ensure that there is a high level of awareness among the public of all schemes administered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11850/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, 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 the wide range of schemes and services available and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur.

The Department operates a network of approximately 130 local and branch offices throughout the country. Each Local Office has officers who are dedicated to providing information and are available to explain supports and services to people. This locally based service is supported by a central Information Unit which operates a LoCall information line (1890 66 22 44) which customers may call for information and guidance on their entitlements.

The Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets covering each social welfare payment or scheme which are available in a wide range of outlets, including Social Welfare Offices, Citizens Information Centres and Post Offices. Booklets are also available from the LoCall Leaflet Request Line 1890 20 23 25.

In addition, information on all our schemes and services is available on the Department's website, www.welfare.ie. Information leaflets can be downloaded from this site or a request can be made online for a booklet to be posted out.

A pro-active approach is taken in advertising schemes and services by using a mix of national and provincial media and through fact sheets, posters, direct mailshots and advertising on plasma screens in approximately 80 Credit Unions nationwide. Nationwide advertising campaigns are undertaken periodically to promote greater awareness of schemes or to highlight changes to particular schemes and services.

Presentations and talks are given by staff of the Department to various interest groups relevant to their needs. Staff also attend exhibitions and seminars throughout the country promoting information on social welfare rights and entitlements.

The Department works closely with voluntary and community organisations involved in an information giving role. A number of such organisations receive funding on an annual basis towards the cost of providing information on welfare rights and services for their target groups.

The Citizens Information Board, which comes under the aegis of my Department, is the national information agency with responsibility for supporting the provision of independent information and advice on the broad range of social services including social welfare services. Information is provided through Citizen Information Centres and other offices throughout the country, through a phone service which operates from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and on the website at www.citizensinformation.ie.

I am satisfied that my Department is taking all necessary steps to ensure that people are made aware of their entitlements.