Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

591. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the supports in place in local Intreo centres for persons with dyslexia in cases where they must complete application forms in the offices. [18286/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is the policy of my Department to standardise and simplify its application forms as much as possible. Plain English principles are applied in the design of all primary application forms to ensure that they are available in a simple, clear, easy to read format that is accessible to people with different levels of literacy ability. In this regard my Department has  been working with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA)  for the past number of years to adopt plain English principles in its application forms, website text and publications. Application forms can also be provided in alternative format such as audio which would be helpful to those who have reading difficulties.

My Department operates a network of some 125 social welfare local and branch offices throughout the country, providing information on all the Department’s schemes and services and assistance with the completion of application forms is available where required. 

In addition, the nationwide network of over 200 Citizens Information Centres offer a drop-in service where callers can meet information providers face-to-face. Staff in these centres assist and support individuals, in particular those with disabilities, access their entitlements and advocate on their behalf in this regard.

I am satisfied that the assistance and support available to customers, including those with disabilities such as dyslexia, through my Department’s offices and through the Citizens Information Services offices enables them to access my Department’s schemes and services in a timely and effective manner that best meets their needs.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.