Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she will take to facilitate women forced out of employment due to the marriage rule to avail of contributory pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19803/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is anxious to ensure that as many people as possible can be accommodated within the social welfare pensions system, with due regard being paid to the contributory principle underlying entitlement to contributory payments and, in the case of non-contributory payments, the need to ensure that resources are directed to those who are most in need. Over the last 10 years, means tests have been improved and qualifying conditions for contributory payments made easier. Many women in both the private and the public sector left employment on marriage because they were required to or because that was the societal norm at the time. Civil servants who left the workforce through the operation of the marriage bar were not insured for social welfare pension purposes. Accordingly, the loss of pension rights in their case relates more to their occupational position rather than social welfare pension entitlements.

That said, the Green Paper on Pensions, which was published on 17th October 2007 includes a full discussion on the social welfare pension position of women who had to resign due to the marriage bar. In this context, the Green Paper sets out a range of reforms for consideration, including the use of universal entitlements and back-dating the homemakers scheme. A consultation process commenced following the paper's publication and submissions were invited on all aspects of the pensions system. The consultation period has just concluded and work has recently commenced on developing a framework for future policy in this area. Decisions in relation to those who are not at present receiving support through the social welfare system, including those who had to leave employment on marriage, will be considered in that context. It is expected that the policy framework will be finalised by the end of the year.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on mailing every older person a booklet highlighting their entitlements upon their becoming eligible for a pension, as suggested recently by numerous age action groups. [24616/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, 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 entitlements and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements in schemes and services as they occur. In relation to older people, the Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets. For example, a booklet entitled "Checklist for Pensioners" (SW10) which sets out the benefits for which a pensioner may qualify, has recently been updated and is currently being distributed to all Social Welfare local offices, and Citizens Information Centres. This booklet, along with other related information leaflets and claim forms, is available from the Department's LoCall Leaflet Line at 1890 20 23 25.

The Citizens Information Board, (CIB) which comes under the aegis of my Department, produced a booklet called "Information Age – How to access Senior Citizen Benefits" as part of an initiative to meet the information needs of older people. The booklet contains brief information on retirement, health services, income and support, and safety and security. Its primary purpose is to direct older people to sources of information, advice and support. In 2007, this booklet was sent to all Social Welfare pensioners and was promoted in a short media campaign. It is available through Citizens Information Centres, the Department's local offices and Health Centres. The Citizens Information Board also provides information through some 260 Citizen Information Centres and other outlets around the country, through a phone service which operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, and the website www.citizensinformation.ie.

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. 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 on-line for a booklet to be posted out.

As well as attending exhibitions and seminars throughout the country promoting information on social welfare rights and entitlements, presentations and talks are given by staff directly to various groups of people approaching pension age. The Department has consulted widely with stakeholder groups representing older people and works closely with voluntary and community organisations involved in an information giving role. I am satisfied that the Department is taking all necessary steps to ensure that older people are made aware of their entitlements.