Plans to improve access to information on basic rights and entitlements to State services, such as social welfare, medical cards and employment benefits, were announced yesterday.
A number of sources of information from advice centres will be grouped together under the brand "Citizens Information", replacing existing services such as Comhairle and the Oasis website.
Introducing the initiative yesterday, the Minister for Social Affairs, Séamus Brennan, said the changes would modernise the provision of information to the entire population, especially more vulnerable people, such as migrant workers and those living in disadvantaged areas.
The new service will also include a new personal advocacy service for people with disabilities, many of whom face difficulties applying for or receiving social services.
Statistics show that many people are still unaware of their basic rights and entitlements on a range of State services, such as social welfare, medical cards and employment benefits.
Comhairle's information services received in the region of two million queries last year through its 256 offices, call centres and website.
The new chairman of the Citizens' Information Board, Chris Glennon, a former political correspondent of the Irish Independent, said one of the key priorities of the new organisation will be to meet the needs of migrant workers.
Mr Glennon said much information relating to work and welfare entitlements was available in foreign languages such as Polish, while there were plans to expand interpreting services to serve other new communities.
Mr Brennan said many of the changes will be introduced through a new Citizens' Information Bill (2006). It contained a blueprint for an information service that was geared towards an expanding and increasingly diverse society.
Mr Brennan said: "The provision of independent, clear and accessible information has a central role in helping to break down barriers, easing anxieties, opening up opportunities and very often clearing the way for citizens - particularly those in vulnerable situations - to improve their situation and build better lives."
The plans to deliver an advocacy service for people with disabilities, Mr Brennan said, was a sign of the Government's commitment to promote the integration of marginalised people into all aspects of society.
The advocacy programme is being delivered by organisations in the community and voluntary sector.
Mr Brennan said: "It is my resolve to ensure that the advocacy services provided for by these projects are of the highest quality and that the community and voluntary programme continues to be underpinned with strong values, keeping the person with disabilities at the centre of the service."
