Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
908. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for not purchasing a building which housed a Citizens Information Centre on Wynnefield Road, Rathmines when it was placed on the market for sale. [17159/23]
View answerThe Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body under the aegis of my Department charged with providing independent information, advice and advocacy services to the public on a range of issues.
In relation to your query, CIB funds and supports eight independent regional Citizen Information Service (CIS) companies, which in turn operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres. It is important to note that, under legislation, CIB is charged with independently overseeing the delivery of services under its remit. Similarly, each CIS is a limited company governed by a voluntary Board of Directors which make decisions independently on the delivery of services in their regions. Dublin South CIS is the company with responsibility for the provision of information, advice, and advocacy services in Rathmines. Any operational decisions are therefore a matter for CIB and the CIS Board of Directors.
In relation to your query, I am informed by CIB that the premises which housed a Citizens Information Centre in Rathmines was sold by the owner and Dublin South CIS had no option but to vacate the premises by 24th May 2022. An alternative, affordable and suitable premises was not available in the Rathmines area.
CIB has also informed me that Dublin South CIS, as are all CIS companies, remain committed to delivering in-person services and the following services are available at locations nearby to Rathmines:
• Liberties Citizens Information Centre, 90 Meath St, Dublin 8. Reception desk open Monday to Friday – 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm.
• Dublin 12 & 6w Citizens Information Centre, 8 Sundrive Road, Dublin 12. Open for drop-in Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9:30am to 12.30pm.
• Carmelite Citizens Information Centre, 56 Aungier St, Dublin 2, drop-in clinic Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 12pm.
• Appointments at these services can also be facilitated for customers who may require them.
CIB and its funded CIS companies will continue to ensure the delivery of high quality in-person services nationwide for the citizens of Ireland, as well as the delivery of online and telephone services to meet the varied and evolving information needs of the public.
