Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this really important issue. I am a massive supporter of the citizens information service. All of us know the work that is done right across the country and the invaluable service it provides.

I am fully supportive of a pay increase for these workers. I want to be clear on this. I have not met a Government colleague who is not supportive of that at this stage. The Department of Social Protection has been actively engaging with the Department of public expenditure and reform on the Labour Court recommendations of 21 June to which the Deputy Lowry referred.

I understand talks commenced last week between representatives of SIPTU, the Citizens’ Information Board, CIB, and the Department of Social Protection on a pay agreement. They are due to convene later this month. This process is the best way to reach consensus on a pay agreement for the workers. I strongly encourage parties to continue to engage. I certainly am fully supportive of the pay increases, as are most of us. I will raise the matter raised by the Deputy with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, and the Minister for public expenditure and reform, Deputy Donohoe.

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