Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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365. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she intends to reopen an in-person Citizens Information Board office in a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60677/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body with responsibility for the Citizens Information Service (CIS) under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection.  CIB provides funding to 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 its services under its remit. Similarly, each CIS is a 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.

South Leinster CIS is the independent company with responsibility for the provision of information, advice and advocacy services in the Enniscorthy area. Decisions regarding operational issues such as office locations are taken by the Board. As Minister, I cannot direct them in such matters.

Along with all CIC offices, the Enniscorthy CIC closed due to COVID-19 in March 2020.  I am informed by CIB that the board of South Leinster CIS subsequently took the decision to close the Enniscorthy office in July 2021. I understand that South Leinster CIS reassigned the Information Officer to Wexford CIC at that time.

Citizens Information Services continue to be available locally in offices located in Wexford Town, Gorey and Arklow.  Wexford Town CIC is open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 1pm; Gorey CIC is open Monday to Thursday 9:30am to 1pm and Arklow CIC is open Monday from 9:00am to 4:30pm and Wednesday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

In addition, a nationwide phone service, the Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) operates from Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm.