The Government has initiated a new bid to ensure access to information about social welfare and civil entitlements.
The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Coughlan, has extended a free confidential phone-in information service nationwide after a successful trial inthe south west of Ireland.
Orchestrated from the National Citizens Information Call Centre in Cork, theservice lays on free, confidential and impartial advice and complements theexisting network of 85 independent Citizens Information Centres nationwide.
Launching the phone-line set-up Ms Coughlan said: "This will greatly enhancethe services already offered by the Citizens Information Centres, and I wouldexpect that it will be of particular benefit to people who live in rural areas,who are disabled, lack transport or are in the home as carers or parents.
"Access to information about the huge range of entitlements offered by my owndepartment are just one feature of the service.
"A lot of people are unaware of their entitlements, and any channel ofinformation that helps people access the services and supports they are entitledto is a welcome addition to society."
The minister added: "In the first year of the phone-in information service inCork and Kerry, approximately 11,000 requests for information were received.
"And that figure rose to 17,000 last year - demonstrating the need for thisservice to be nationwide."
There is also an Internet service at www.citizensinfo.ie
PA