Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Berry for raising this. As Minister, I recognise and value the good work carried out by volunteers. I have been clear to the Citizens Information Board that it is important that the voluntary ethos of the citizens information service should be protected and the skills of its volunteers should be utilised to the maximum extent possible.

The Citizens Information Board, CIB, has publicly acknowledged the centrality of volunteers in delivering and supporting CIB-funded services and considers their continued contribution to be vital in ensuring the citizens information service remains an independent trusted source of information, advice and advocacy. Having said this, it is also important to recognise and protect the statutory independence of the Citizens Information Board and the separation between it and the eight independent regional citizens information service companies that it funds and that operate the national network of citizen information centres on its behalf.

Section 7(1) of the Comhairle Act charges the CIB with the provision of independent information, advice and advocacy services. This is to ensure that individuals receive impartial advice and access to accurate and comprehensive information relating to social services. This statutory independence is also to ensure that government cannot unduly influence the information or advice offered by CIB nor dictate how it should provide services.

Similarly, each citizens information service company is a separate company in its own right. These are the eight regional companies. They are governed by a voluntary board of directors. They are subject to meeting service standards set by the CIB. These eight companies are responsible for decisions on the delivery of services in their own regions. Any operational changes or decisions are, therefore, a matter for the Citizens Information Board and the independent boards. As Minister I cannot direct them regarding operational decisions.

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