Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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464. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason there is a delay in awarding the monies due under the Labour Court Case (LRC22987) to the Department, which in turn will fund the Citizens Information Board, to grant to the nine Citizens Information Services to pay the employees due (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36831/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As you will be aware, the Citizens Information Service (CIS) comprises of eight regional companies that are funded by the Citizens Information Board (CIB), the statutory body funded by my Department. The Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) is also funded by CIB.

As I have stated on many occasions, I absolutely acknowledge and value the important information, advice and advocacy services that the staff of the CIS provide right across the country. I believe that CIS workers should be paid fairly for the important work they do and I am supportive of a pay increase.

Since the Labour Court issued its recommendation in June in relation to CIS and CIPS pay, my Department has been actively engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Delivery Plan and Reform in relation to a pay agreement and expenditure requirements.

In addition, talks commenced last week between representatives from SIPTU, CIS, CIB and my Department in relation to a pay agreement for the CIS and CIPS.

I am hopeful that these talks, which are due to resume next week, will result in an agreement and I strongly encourage all parties involved to continue to engage constructively in this process.