Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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430. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason there is only a 2.5 day service provided in a Citizens Information Service instead of a full time service in a town (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24143/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Donegal Citizens Information Service (CIS) is funded through the Citizens Information Board to provide information, advice and advocacy services to the citizens of Co. Donegal. There are offices in Ballyshannon, Letterkenny, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Dungloe, Milford and Donegal Town as well as a number of outreach services.

Between 2002 and February 2011, a full time information officer service was provided in Buncrana. The combination of funding available under the Jobs Initiative Scheme operated by Inishowen Development Partnership Ltd and a funding allocation from Donegal CIS equivalent to a 0.5 post allowed for the delivery of a service five days a week in Buncrana Citizens Information Centre.

Since February 2011, the Jobs Initiative Scheme resource is no longer available. In order to provide a service in Buncrana, Donegal CIS reallocated resources to provide cover on two days each week pending recruitment to fill the 0.5 post allocated to the Centre. Following recruitment in October, a part-time Information Officer has now been permanently allocated to the Buncrana office so that a service can be provided on three days per week. In addition to this permanent part time Information Officer, a second Information Officer works in Buncrana CIS for 1.5 days per week.

Information and assistance on the range of services and schemes offered by my Department can be obtained in Buncrana Social Welfare Local Office.

Donegal CIS also provides targeted information sessions to local groups and communities where a need is identified or to meet specific requests.

The Citizens Information Board operates a national helpline, telephone 0761 07 4000, which provides a comprehensive and confidential information service to people throughout the country, Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm. Further information is provided on a broad range of subjects on the citizen's information website , which aims to meet customer demands for fast, easy access to comprehensive information on rights and entitlements.

While the number of callers to the service has increased by approximately 8% in recent months, local management, by actively monitoring demand and keeping the level of service under ongoing review, is satisfied that the current level of available resources allocated to Buncrana CIS is adequate to meet service needs.