Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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121. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on a pay claim and Labour Court recommendation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28541/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As you will be aware, the Citizens Information Service (CIS) comprises of eight independent companies that are funded by the Citizens Information Board (CIB). CIB, in turn, is funded by my Department.

As I have stated previously, I deeply value the important and essential work carried out by employees of the CIS, in providing people with free, quality and independent information, advice and advocacy services across the country, and I firmly believe in a fair day's pay for a fair day's work.

It is important to remember that CIS employees are not employees of my Department or of CIB, but are employed by independent companies, that are funded by CIB to carry out important services.

As you will be aware, the Workplace Relations Commission referred a dispute relating to a pay increase for CIS employees to the Labour Court in March 2024 and a hearing took place on 14th June. The Labour Court issued its recommendation on 21st June, which relates to the eight independent companies of the CIS, as well as another company - the Citizens Information Phone Service.

As I stated previously on this matter, my Department will not be found wanting in responding to this matter and this remains the case. At present my Department is carefully and constructively reviewing this recommendation and is discussing its implications with CIB, as the funder of CIS.

Given the expenditure implications, my Department is also engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Delivery Plan and Reform (DPENDR) on the recommendation.