Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

383. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is aware of the possibility of some closures of physical Citizen Information Centres, and her assessment of the impact this may have on those who have weak digital literacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45848/22]

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

The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory agency tasked with providing information, advocacy and advice to citizens. These important services are delivered by eight independent regional Citizen Information Service (CIS) companies.

The CIB provides funding to the eight CIS companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres. It is very important to note that, by law, the CIB is charged with independently overseeing the delivery of the services under its remit. Similarly, each CIS is a limited company governed by a voluntary board of directors. These companies make decisions independently on the delivery of services in their own regions.

I met with both the CEO and Chair of the Citizens Information Board recently and made clear my strong views that, given in particular the current cost of living crisis and the challenges facing people across the country, there should be no closure of any Citizen Information Offices.

CIB have informed me that face to face services continue to be an integral part of the CIS service offer. CIB have advised also that it does not intend that there will be any further permanent closure of offices, other than in circumstances that would be beyond the control of CIB or the regional CIS companies - for example, where buildings are sold and leases terminated.

Nationally, 89 Citizens Information Centres are currently open and remain available to provide information, advice and advocacy. Information on service locations and opening hours can be found on centres.citizensinformation.ie/.

Additionally, for customers who may not be able to access this information on the website, they can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) on 0818 07 4000, which is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 8pm .

It is incumbent on CIB and the CIS Boards to ensure that a high-quality service is delivered nationally which will continue to provide essential information, advice and advocacy to the citizens of Ireland in the most effective manner possible.