Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

101. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has considered making video guides to assist people with filling in application forms for payments such as domiciliary care allowance. [30425/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The policy of my Department is to ensure application forms are presented in simple, clear, and easy to read format and where the principles of plain English are applied consistently so that forms are accessible to people with varying levels of literacy. Application forms are also made available on request in alternative formats, including audio and braille.

The Department operates a nationwide network of Intreo centres, social welfare and branch offices. In larger offices there are staff dedicated to providing information and explaining the Departments schemes and services available, and to provide assistance to customers to enable them to access their full entitlements. There are also over 200 Citizens Information Centres countrywide who offer a drop in service, where customers can receive help in the completion of application forms.

In 2013, the Departments new website was launched which was redesigned to incorporate the full range of services it now delivers. The new website, which has had 1.7 million users this year to date, includes a range of improved navigational features, is clearly laid out and complies with accessibility guidelines to ensure that all users, including those using assistive technologies, can easily access information and services. Customer access to information and services has been improved through the introduction of a number of online services and the addition, earlier this year, of a mobile version of the website.

In order to further improve accessibility of information and services for all customers, my Department will continue to explore alternative channels of communication, including the use of video content, as appropriate.