Munster Express Online

Minister for Social and Family Affairs Martin Cullen TD has launched a new booklet ‘A Short Guide to the Irish Social Welfare System’ published by the Congress Centres Network.

The 47-page Guide aims to bring together a wide range of information and supports available within the Irish Social Welfare system.

Speaking about the guide, Minister Martin Cullen TD said: “This new free publication outlines the kinds of payments and entitlements available within the Irish Social Welfare system. It explains how they can be accessed and answers clearly and concisely questions such as what happens when you become unemployed or ill or you find yourself parenting alone.

“This publication should prove to be a very practical resource within the Congress Centres Network itself and among statutory bodies, voluntary groups and non-governmental organisations.

“One of the challenges is the problem of finding clear and reliable information around complex issues in a variety of languages. While many migrants are working to improve their English language skills, these may not be sufficiently developed to allow them to access key information such as how the Irish Social Welfare system works. This in turn can put them at risk of unnecessary hardship, marginalisation and even exploitation.”

“I fully endorse the importance of developing services to a population base that is more diverse than a decade ago, one which presents new and different challenges and calls on us all to be more innovative in finding solutions.”