79. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he is taking to remove financial and administrative barriers faced by people when obtaining medical evidence and legal aid required for social welfare and housing applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67576/26]

My Department is committed to reducing any administrative, financial and other barriers that may prevent people from accessing their social welfare entitlements.

The Department's schemes are generally accessed through two main mechanisms:

• by assessing the PRSI contribution record of a person in respect of Social Benefit schemes; or

• by applying a means test, and other conditions as appropriate, in the case of Social Assistance schemes.

In respect of contributory schemes, the Government has broadened access and entitlements in recent years through the introduction of new schemes such as Jobseekers Pay-Related Benefit; the expansion of access to existing schemes, such as provision of access to Carer's Benefit for the Self Employed and the extension of the duration of schemes, such as Parent's Benefit.

In respect of means tested Social Assistance schemes, significant adjustments have been made in income disregards, which have enabled more people to qualify for schemes such as Carer's Allowance, Fuel Allowance and Disability Allowance in recent years.

I would like to make it clear that the department does not require applicants to obtain private assessments or specialist medical reports in order to submit an application for a social welfare payment.  All available evidence submitted as part of the application or appeal process is considered.

In addition, the department funds GPs to complete the medical portion of relevant social welfare application forms.