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

I thank Deputy McAuliffe for raising this issue. The Citizens Information Board, CIB, is a statutory body under the aegis of my Department. CIB funds and supports a number of service delivery companies to provide services on its behalf including eight regional citizens information service, CIS, companies which operate the national network of citizens' information centres.

The Comhairle Act charges CIB with the provision of independent information, advice and advocacy services. Each CIS company is a separate company in its own right, governed by a voluntary board of directors. Decisions regarding the delivery of services, including outreach services, are entirely a matter for the respective boards in their own regions. As Minister, I cannot direct them regarding operational decisions.

To date in 2023, the CIS has supported 328,258 people with 661,713 queries across a wide range of areas. The provision of outreach services is dependent on public demand and resources and is kept under review by the relevant CIS company. The Citizens Information Board has informed me that there are currently 90 citizens information centres open nationwide and 14 outreach centres. Following the Covid-19 pandemic there has, however, been a significant fall in the number of volunteers available to volunteer in the citizen information centres. Volunteers have been essential in providing valuable independent information and advice across the country through the network of citizens information centres and I wish to reiterate once again my strong appreciation for the vital service they provide. While some volunteers have returned to the service, I am pleased that local volunteer recruitment drives are taking place. It is important that the CIS companies continue to attract new volunteers. CIB informs me that once volunteer numbers are established on completion of these recruitment measures CIS companies will continue to review the provision of all services to the citizens information centres.

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