Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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338. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress being made regarding a pay agreement and expenditure requirements (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40196/24]

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.

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 relation to CIS 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 on 12th September last between representatives from SIPTU, CIS, CIB and my Department in relation to a pay agreement. It was agreed that talks would reconvene this month.

I am fully supportive of the ongoing engagement process as the best way to reach consensus on a pay agreement for CIS workers, and I strongly encourage all parties involved to continue to engage constructively in this process with a view to avoiding planned strike action.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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339. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to provide a breakdown of the amount expended by her Department on consultancies in 2023 and to date in 2024; the company engaged; and the nature of the work conducted by the consultancy on her Department’s behalf, in tabular form. [40221/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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A breakdown of the annual expenditure on contracts is published on the at