Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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281. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the changes that she has made to the availability of the Citizens Advice Service nationally since she came into office; the reason for these changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49317/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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. CIB provides funding to eight CIS companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres.

It is important to note the independent nature of CIB, which operates under the Comhairle Act 2000 (as amended) overseen by its own Board. Similarly, each CIS company is an independent limited company governed by a voluntary board of directors. These eight CIS companies make decisions independently on the delivery of services in their own regions.

Any operational changes or decisions would be a matter for the Board of CIB and the CIS companies. As Minister, I cannot direct them to undertake any actions.

My department has provided funding of €60.258m to CIB in 2022 in order that it can fulfil its statutory functions. The priority for the Board of CIB is that the service provided to the public is of the highest quality, whether provided in-person, online or by phone.

I understand that there are currently 89 Citizens Information centres open to offer information, advice and advocacy to the public. There are also 60 MABS offices open to provide assistance to those experiencing financial difficulty. The Citizens Information Phone Service and the MABS Helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm. CIB’s website is also available and provides comprehensive information on a wide range of supports and entitlements.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.