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

In my Department of Rural and Community Development we are developing a national volunteer strategy because it is important that we get people to volunteer. It is very rewarding. Some people may think they are taking on too much and maybe sometimes the responsibilities are too onerous for them but we do want to encourage them to get involved. We all know it can be very rewarding.

I am aware of the issue in Carlow. I was well aware of it last year and earlier this year. One of the strengths of the citizens information centre is its complete independence. This is why it is trusted to provide impartial and unbiased advice. If the Government or I started interfering in the running of the citizens information service we would be accused of propaganda. This is why it is up to the Citizens Information Board and the local citizens information service companies to run the service as they see fit.

In 2023 CIB had allocated funding of more than €17.3 million for the eight regional services and they are best placed to determine where those resources are needed in terms of public demand and the numbers calling into offices and outreach centres and so on. I will raise with them the point made by the Deputy.

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