Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
51. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that the Citizens Information Board remains a fully functional service despite the recent changes to the organisation; if she has engaged with the CIB in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50216/22]
View answerIt is important to recognise and protect the statutory independence of the Citizens Information Board and the separation between it and the eight independent regional Citizen Information Service (CIS) companies, which it funds, and which operate the national network of Citizens Information Centres on its behalf.
Section 7(1) of the Comhairle Act charges CIB with the provision of independent information, advice and advocacy services. This is to ensure that individuals receive impartial advice and access to accurate and comprehensive information relating to social services. This statutory independence is also to ensure that Government cannot unduly influence the information or advice offered by CIB, nor dictate how it should provide services.
Similarly, each CIS company is a separate company in its own right, governed by a voluntary board of directors. Subject to meeting service standards set by CIB these eight CIS companies are responsible for decisions on the delivery of services in their own regions.
Any operational changes or decisions are therefore a matter for CIB and the independent boards. As Minister, I cannot direct them regarding operational decisions.
I absolutely recognise and value the good work carried out by volunteers, and I have been very clear to the Citizens Information Board (CIB) that it is important that the voluntary ethos of the Citizens Information Service (CIS) should be protected and the skills of its volunteers should be utilised to the maximum extent possible.
CIB has also publicly acknowledged the centrality of volunteers in delivering and supporting CIB-funded services and considers their continued contribution to be vital in ensuring that Citizens Information remains an independent, trusted source of information, advice, and advocacy.
In light of concerns raised recently in relation to volunteers, I met with the Chairperson and CEO of CIB seeking further information.
Following our meeting, CIB has initiated an independent review of its volunteer strategy. This independent review will consult with current and past volunteers and other important stakeholders. It is expected that it will be concluded in the coming months and its recommendations will directly inform CIB's new three-year strategy 2023-2025.
The priority for CIB is that the service provided to the public is of the highest quality and volunteers will continue to play an important role in the delivery of citizen information services.
