The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Ms Marilena Evangelou attended today the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance.
In her statements after the session, she said that she had a very good and productive discussion with the Chairman and members of the Parliamentary Labour Committee and that the discussion will continue in the near future. The Parliamentary Labour Committee was briefed by the Deputy Minister on the responsibilities of the Deputy Ministry.
The Deputy Minister also told the Committee that she is fully aware of the difficulties and sensitive issues that the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare has to deal with, but her aim is to address the problems on an individual basis with a person-centred approach and empathy. She stated that there is clearly a need for faster and more efficient service to citizens and that she is pleased to say that it is a matter of days that the 1450 telephone line for the service of citizens is operational, which looks forward to responding immediately to issues concerning citizens and at the same time to relieve the workload of the officials of the Ministry of State, so that they can proceed more quickly and directly to the examination of applications.
She also informed the Committee about the 5% increase in low pensions, which is an immediate f As you are aware, she said, the political will is there, it is in the programme of the Nicos Christodoulides administration and that immediately after taking office, the Welfare Benefits Administration Service has been instructed to work and study the issue. When this study is completed and costed, she will make the appropriate update.
In addition, the Deputy Minister announced the launch of the Neighbourhood Social Worker programme, which is initially being implemented in four Municipalities and three Communities, and is on a pilot basis for six months. The programme will be evaluated and the aim is to achieve nationwide coverage. The Deputy Minister said that she considers this programme very important, because with the contribution of the local government we will be able to have better prevention and a more timely response.
Finally, she mentioned her intention to set up an advisory group at the Ministry of State for issues of social inclusion of persons with disabilities, composed of persons with disabilities. This group will initially map out the actual needs that exist, so that they can then be prioritized and implemented.
(ΘΘ/EΠ)
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