Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied with the information available in respect of the means test process which she follows in determining applications to allowance schemes; if further clear, comprehensible information with guidelines on income limits and bands will be made available to assist persons when making applications to such schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28269/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The primary objective of the Department's information policy is to ensure that all customers are made aware of the wide range of schemes and services available and that they are kept fully informed of changes and improvements as they occur. Information provided includes the qualifying conditions for schemes and details of means assessments. The Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets which include guidelines on means assessment and these are available from a number of outlets including Social Welfare Local Offices, Citizens Information Service offices and Post Offices. Information can also be requested through the Department's website www.welfare.ie .

Comprehensive information on means assessment for the various social assistance schemes is also published on the Department's website under the operational guidelines relating to each scheme and is also available on the website of the Citizens Information Board. The Department operates a network of some 125 local and branch offices throughout the country where advice may be sought in relation to specific schemes. These locally-based services are 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. LoCall information lines are also operated in the individual scheme areas where more detailed information may be obtained in relation to qualifying conditions and means assessment for specific schemes.

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 Citizens Information Centres and other offices throughout the country, through the Citizens Information Phone Service (0761 07 9000) which operates from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and on their website at www.citizensinformation.ie. I am satisfied that comprehensive information and guidance on means assessment for all schemes administered by my Department is available to all our customers.