Ivana Bacik
Question:909. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the decision to reduce in-person citizens information services in view of the housing and cost-of-living crises. [17160/23]
View answerTuesday, 18 April 2023
Questions (909)
Written answers
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory body under the aegis of my Department tasked with providing independent information, advice and advocacy services to the public on a range of issues.
In relation to your query regarding in-person services, CIB funds and supports eight regional Citizen Information Service companies, which in turn operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres, as well as eight regional Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) companies, which operate a national network of MABS offices.
It is important to note the independent nature of CIB, which operates under the Comhairle Act 2000 (as amended) overseen by its own Board. Similarly, each of its funded companies is an independent limited company governed by a voluntary board of directors, which makes decisions independently on the delivery of services in their own regions.
Any operational decisions are therefore a matter for the companies themselves. However, it is important to note that there has been no recent decision by CIB or its funded companies to reduce in-person services. CIB and its companies are committed to the continued delivery of high quality in-person services nationally, as well as online and other services that meet the varying needs of the public.
CIB informs me that there are currently 90 Citizens Information Centre offices open to the public nationwide for in-person services, while the completion of an independent review of volunteers in the Citizens Information Service will support the return of more volunteers to Citizens Information Centres, which in turn will help to expand the capacity of these services nationally.
CIB also informs me that there are 58 MABS offices open to the public nationwide for in-person services. MABS provides money advice and budgeting services to people, in particular those in poverty, on low income or at risk of, or experiencing, debt. As part of its free and confidential services, MABS also provides support to people in mortgage arrears as part of Abhaile - the National State Funded Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service, as well as through its Dedicated Mortgage Arrears service.
CIB will continue to ensure the delivery of high quality services for the citizens of Ireland in the most effective ways possible, that correspond with the evolving needs of the public, including in-person, telephone and online.