Written answers

Wednesday, 27 April 2022

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Citizens Information Services

Photo of Chris AndrewsChris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

107. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the citizens information centre in Rathmines, Dublin 6 is due to be closed; and, if so, the proposed future changes to the role of citizens information centres across the State. [21341/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Citizens Information Board (CIB), under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection, is the statutory body with responsibility for the Citizens Information Service. The CIB funds and supports eight regional Citizens Information Services (CIS) companies. Each CIS is a limited company overseen by a regional manager and board of directors. Each company is responsible for all matters and decisions relating to its staff and operations. 

Dublin South CIS have confirmed the Citizen Information Centre in Rathmines will cease at the end of May 2022, as the landlord has sold the premises. Dublin South CIS is currently reviewing alternative options for premises in the general area to ensure services continue to be accessible.

Staff from Rathmines will work out of offices in the Liberties and the Carmelite Centre until such time as a permanent alternative in the general area can be procured, renovated and opened.

Dublin South CIS is committed to delivering face to face services, where a member of the public can walk into their local office and receive information, advice and advocacy services. Within a 3km zone of Rathmines, people can continue to access citizens information services at the following locations:

- Liberties CIC, 90 Meath St, Dublin 8:Contact by phone or email Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 9.30am – 4.30pm, appointments will be offered as required.

- Dublin 12 & 6W CIC, 8 Sundrive Road, Dublin 12: Open Monday - Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm for reception, phone and email.  Appointments will be offered as required., reopening on 5th May 2022.

- Carmelite CIC, 56 Aungier St, Dublin 2, Open Monday – Wednesday 10 am – 12 noon for reception, phone and email.  Appointments will be offered as required.

During the COVID period, the Rathmines CIC office was closed for public health reasons. Dublin South CIS implemented a number of measures to ensure an ongoing service was provided to all citizens including telephone / email / letter contact. These measures will continue after May 2022 to accommodate service users impacted by the closure.

In addition, the Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) is a nationwide service with extended opening hours. It can be reached on 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.

With regard to future changes, there are no plans in place to change the role of Citizens Information Services nationally. It is envisioned that CIS will continue to provide essential information and advice to the citizens of Ireland in the most effective manner possible.

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

108. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the citizens information centre in Rathmines will be relocated; if so, the location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21393/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Citizens Information Board (CIB), under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection, is the statutory body with responsibility for the Citizens Information Service. The CIB funds and supports eight regional Citizens Information Services (CIS) companies. Each CIS is a limited company overseen by a regional manager and board of directors. Each company is responsible for all matters and decisions relating to its staff and operations. 

Dublin South CIS have confirmed the Citizen Information Centre in Rathmines will cease at the end of May 2022, as the landlord has sold the premises. Dublin South CIS is currently reviewing alternative options for premises in the general area to ensure services continue to be accessible.

Staff from Rathmines will work out of offices in the Liberties and the Carmelite Centre until such time as a permanent alternative in the general area can be procured, renovated and opened.

Dublin South CIS is committed to delivering face to face services, where a member of the public can walk into their local office and receive information, advice and advocacy services. Within a 3km zone of Rathmines, people can continue to access citizens information services at the following locations:

- Liberties CIC, 90 Meath St, Dublin 8: Contact by phone or email Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 9.30am – 4.30pm, appointments will be offered as required.

- Dublin 12 & 6W CIC, 8 Sundrive Road, Dublin 12: Open Monday - Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm for reception, phone and email.  Appointments will be offered as required., reopening on 5th May 2022.

- Carmelite CIC, 56 Aungier St, Dublin 2, Open Monday – Wednesday 10 am – 12 noon for reception, phone and email.  Appointments will be offered as required.

During the COVID period, the Rathmines CIC office was closed for public health reasons. Dublin South CIS implemented a number of measures to ensure an ongoing service was provided to all citizens including telephone / email / letter contact. These measures will continue after May 2022 to accommodate service users impacted by the closure.

In addition, the Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) is a nationwide service with extended opening hours. It can be reached on 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.