A new State body is to provide information on rights and entitlements to State services in a number of foreign languages, including Polish and Romanian, in order to meet the growing demand for knowledge from immigrants working here.
A new website www.citizensinformation.ie is part of an initiative to improve access to information on basic rights and entitlements to State services, such as social welfare, medical cards and employment benefits.
As part of the changes a number of existing sources of information, such as Comhairle's 230 advice centres, telephone inquiry lines (1890-777-121) and the Government's Oasis website, will be grouped together under the brand Citizens Information.
Introducing the new website yesterday, Minister for Social Affairs Séamus Brennan said the changes would help modernise the provision of information to the entire population, especially more vulnerable people and immigrants.
The website is available in English and Irish, and key information and advice documents are also available in Polish, Romanian and French. It is planned to expand the range of information available and the number of languages used.
Mr Brennan said: "The provision of independent, clear and accessible information through a number of channels has a central role in helping to break down barriers."
Statistics show that many people are unaware of their basic rights and entitlements. The website has a range of new features, such as a "find an address" tool, which enables people to contact more than 8,000 service providers and government bodies.
