Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1250. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that the Citizens' Information Board's Relate journal has ceased publication; if she will review this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40712/22]
View answerThe Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body with an information, advice and advocacy role in relation to a wide range of public and social services. CIB lies under the aegis of my Department, which provides annual Exchequer funding to CIB to deliver on its statutory functions.
I am advised that CIB decided to discontinue the bi-monthly Relate journal in 2021 due to reduced demand for long-form printed publications like Relate and a drop off in subscriber numbers. CIB found through surveys of subscribers that users expected more immediate updates because information is now changing very quickly. The Relate publication could not provide this. The CIB website - citizensinformation.ie - fulfils this demand.
I am further advised that CIB continues to produce several printed publications for the public outlining rights and entitlements and an internal Scope newsletter for funded services. CIB is committed to the continued ongoing delivery of high-quality services nationally and will continue to provide essential information, advice and advocacy to the citizens of Ireland in the most effective manner possible.
