Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he is satisfied with the pace of delivery of the personal advocacy service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12201/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The introduction of a personal advocacy service is provided for in the Citizens Information Act, 2007. The service will assist individuals in identifying their needs, understanding their options and assist them in securing their entitlements to social services which include health, social welfare, education, family support, housing, taxation, citizenship, consumer matters, employment and training, equality, asylum and immigration.

The development of a Personal Advocacy Service remains a priority for my Department. An organisational structure has been developed by the Citizens Information Board to meet the needs of the Personal Advocacy Service. Discussions between my Department, the Department of Finance and the Citizens Information Board are ongoing in relation to these structures and the additional staffing resources required for the provision of the service. The post of Director of the Personal Advocacy Service was advertised in December 2007. The Board is currently working through the recruitment process and expect to make an appointment shortly.

It is envisaged that appropriate structures and staffing resources will be in place shortly and the new service is still on target to be up and running in 2008.