Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
279. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that staff working in citizens information services have not received any pay rise since 2008; if she will provide information on the efforts being made to address this issue and bring the compensation of staff in citizens information services in line with those working in equivalent positions within the public sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43323/23]
View answerThe Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body under the aegis of my Department, with responsibility for supporting the provision of information, advice (including money and budgeting advice) and advocacy on a wide range of public and social services.
CIB provides some services directly to the public and funds and supports a number of Service Delivery Companies to provide services on its behalf, including the Citizens Information Service.
As Minister, I absolutely recognise and value the essential work carried out by the Citizens Information Service and acknowledge their dedication to their role in ensuring that people in their respective regions have access to quality and independent information, advice and advocacy.
My Department allocates annual Exchequer funding to CIB to deliver its services. This funding, and any additional requests from CIB, are considered and reviewed annually by my Department, and wider Government as part of the overall Estimates process.
As part of the Government's Estimates process for 2024, CIB has submitted a request for additional resources to cover a wide range of issues, including pay and additional staff for the Citizens Information Service. These requests will be considered in the context of the overall Government's Estimates process.
