Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I know this is not her area but I will say that response is essentially what I said to her in the first instance. It outlines the importance of the information office and goes through the history of what happened. Unfortunately it does not give any timeline as to when funding could potentially be provided or if the Department will be looking favourably on that funding. I understand the Minister may not be in a position to answer that. There needs to be clarity and certainty given to people.

The Minister is correct that the officer who was in Wicklow town is now based in Bray. I am not sure if the Minister ever tried to get public transport from Bray or Arklow to Wicklow town. Despite them being relatively close, maybe 20 or 30 minutes away, it is near impossible to get a bus or train. The service is very limited. The communities that these centres are focused on and try to provide a service to are not communities that would have easy access to private transport.

I understand this is not the Minister's area but it is a really important function. It is crucial that Wicklow town retains its office. I would hate to see it delayed for six months or a year while the annual bureaucratic budgetary process is negotiated. The funds need to be provided to make sure this service can continue. In north Wicklow, and now I can see it across the entirety of Wicklow and the whole country, we are going to have a lot of individuals who will need supports, advice and a trusted source of information. I am thinking of the Ukrainian refugees arriving, in particular. We also have a direct provision centre in Wicklow town and the Citizens Information offices are key to them getting that advice and knowing what they need to do to access entitlements and supports. I really ask that the Government prioritises it and that the Minister pass that message on to the Minister, Deputy Humphreys. It would be really great to have a timeline as to when those negotiations will be up.

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