Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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2. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide an update on the implementation of the Citizens Information Board's strategic plan in respect of the use of volunteer staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50989/22]

Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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My question has to do with the citizens information service and, in particular, what the plan is to deal with volunteer staff. There have been rumours and concerns floating around over the past couple of months. The Minister might use this opportunity this morning to clarify the Government's position in that regard.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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.

Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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I thank the Minister for her response. I agree entirely that it is an excellent service. It is independent, valued and, crucially, it is accessible. I use it myself. I refer many constituents to the service and I presume every Deputy in the House does the same. I have the Newbridge office on speed dial if I want to run something by it on a complex case. I take the point on the importance of the autonomy of the service. There was a press release about five weeks ago from the board in which it mentioned it would set up an independent review. Do we know anything about this independent review? Who is running it? When will it be started and finished? Does the Minister have any information to enlighten us?

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Berry. I was just going to tell him about this but I ran out of time. I met the chairperson and CEO of the CIB to seek further information. Following the meeting the CIB initiated an independent review of its volunteer strategy. This independent review will consult current and past volunteers and other important stakeholders. It is expected that it will be concluded in the coming months. Its recommendations will directly inform the CIB's new three-year strategy from 2023 to 2025.

My background is in the credit union sector. Nobody values the community and voluntary ethos more than I do. This is why, on foot of concerns raised with me by Deputies, I met the CEO and the chair. I recognise the good work carried out by the volunteers. I have been very clear to the CIB that people who have given up their time through the years deserve to be treated with respect. This is the very least they deserve. Following my meeting with it, the EIB has confirmed the terms of reference for the independent review. It will engage with internal and external stakeholders, including current and past volunteers. I have also appointed a new member to the board of the CIB who is also a member of Volunteer Ireland.

Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)
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That is good to hear. I appreciate the update. My view, which is shared by most Deputies, is that the citizens information service is excellent not in spite of the volunteers but because of them. Many of them have a wealth of knowledge from their careers, be that in tax or social welfare. They also have a crucial accessibility function. I welcome the review and I look forward to reading its findings. I recommend making the maximum use of this crucial cohort of volunteers as much as possible. They are half-men and women and half-encyclopaedia. They really have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the services and we should maintain, maximise and optimise their use.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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To be very clear, I want to see volunteers back. The CIB has assured me the contribution of volunteers continues to be highly valued. The role of the volunteer is still seen as central to the delivery of the service. Volunteers have been returning on a phased basis since mid-2022. The CIB advises me that to date 120 volunteers have returned to support the delivery of the citizens information centres throughout the country. There are some volunteers who have not come back since Covid. It is important that we make sure there are services for people. The most important thing is that there is someone to answer their questions. There are eight regional citizen information service companies. They are all independent. Some seem to be getting on with their work without any issue. There seem to be problems with others. The CIB is engaging with the eight regional companies on the continued return of volunteers. I want to see this happen. I will be keeping a close eye on this. I will leave it at that.