Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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1405.To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps being taken to ensure that workers in Citizens Information companies are provided with a pay increase, given the length of time since their last pay increase; and if she will provide the funding to the Citizens Information Bureau to ensure this happens via the Citizens Information Service companies. [33590/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Firstly, I recognise and value the essential work carried out by staff of the Citizens Information Service (CIS) in providing quality and independent information, advice and advocacy services right across the country.

The CIS comprises of eight regional companies that are limited by guarantee. These companies, along with the Citizens Information Phone Service, are funded to provide important services on behalf of the Citizens Information Board (CIB). CIB, in turn, is funded by my Department.

I understand that the Workplace Relations Commission referred a pay claim submitted by CIS staff representatives to the Labour Court, and a hearing took place on 14th of June. I further understand that the Labour Court issued its recommendation on 21st of June.

At present my Department is carefully reviewing this recommendation and is discussing its implications with the CIB, as the funder of CIS.

Given the expenditure implications, my Department will also need to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Delivery Plan and Reform (DPENDR) on the recommendation.