Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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924. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the Citizens Information centre in Ros Muc, County Galway is still functioning; the status of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33361/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice (including money and budgeting advice) and advocacy services on a wide range of public and social services. A national network of Citizens Information Centres, overseen by regional Citizens Information Service companies provides information, advice and advocacy services to the public.

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in line with public health guidance, the Citizens Information Centre in Ros Muc closed to the public. While in person appointment or drop-in services closed – citizens information services remain open, active and available to the public. Currently all services to citizens in the Galway area are available by phone (at 0761 107 7600) and by email galway@citinfo.ie). Service hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00 pm. In addition, following email or phone consultation, clients who require urgent face to face appointments, have been, facilitated in the Citizens Information Centre in Galway city.

During the Covid-19 restrictions, the eight Citizens Information Services and the Citizens Information Phone Service are working together to deliver a single, national call back service whereby, in response to a request submitted through www.citizensinformation.ie, an Information Officer will contact the requester , by phone, to offer an information , advice or advocacy service.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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925. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the Citizens Information centres in County Galway which are currently providing an advocacy service; if this has changed in the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33362/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice (including money and budgeting advice) and advocacy services on a wide range of public and social services. A national network of Citizens Information Centres, overseen by regional Citizens Information Service companies provide information, advice and advocacy services to the public.

South Connacht Citizens Information Service (SCCIS) operates four Citizens Information Centres in its Galway service-area; Clifden, Ros Muc, Tuam and Galway city. There have been no changes to the advocacy service provided by Citizens Information Services in Galway during the past two years.

As a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in line with public health guidance, the Citizens Information Centres in the Galway area closed to the public. While in person appointment or drop-in services closed – all citizens information services, including advocacy services, remain open, active and available to the public. Currently all services to citizens in the Galway area are available by phone (at 0761 107 7600) and by email galway@citinfo.ie). Service hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00 pm. In addition, following email or phone consultation, clients who require urgent face to face appointments, can and have been, facilitated in the Citizen Information Centre in Galway city.

During the Covid-19 restrictions, the eight Citizens Information Services and the Citizens Information Phone Service are working together to deliver a single, national call back service whereby, in response to a request submitted through www.citizensinformation.ie, an Information Officer will contact the requester , by phone, to offer an information , advice or advocacy service.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.