Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that adequate stocks of important State benefit application forms, such as the household benefits package are maintained at the various outlets in order that stocks do not become exhausted, as many persons do not have access to electronic means of applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11139/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and application forms covering each social welfare payment or scheme. These are available in a wide range of outlets across the country, including all Social Welfare Local Offices and Branch Offices, Citizens Information Centres, Post Offices and in other organisations such as local community centres. Extra stocks are maintained in our stores to reduce the possibility of stocks running out. Application forms and information leaflets can be ordered directly, at any time, from our LoCall Leaflet Request Line at 1890 20 23 25.

The leaflet referred to by the Deputy has recently gone to print and will be distributed to all Social Welfare Local and Branch Offices, Citizens Information Centres and Post Offices, as well as being available in Department stores and for order from the LoCall Leaflet Request Line. The Household Benefits leaflet, along with all of my Departments application forms and leaflets, is available on my Department's website at www.welfare.ie. Application forms can be printed from the website for customers at a Citizens Information Centre.

There are 130 Social Welfare offices throughout the country where customers can obtain information and guidance. In some of my Department's local offices, staff dedicated to information provision duties are available to explain all our supports and services and to help and assist people in completing application forms and accessing their entitlements.