Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
791. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to secure the future of citizen information centres in an area (details supplied); if there are plans to reduce centres in the country generally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16039/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice (including money and budgeting advice) and advocacy services on a wide range of public and social services. CIB delivers on this remit through its provision of some services directly to the public and through a network of service delivery companies.
During the Covid-19 crisis, CIB developed a national Covid-19 response across all its services and introduced a range of additional measures to address the needs of citizens in a situation where local Citizens Information Centres were closed to the public in line with public health guidelines.
Dublin South Citizens Information Service continues to respond to queries by telephone and email in order to meet the most immediate information, advice and advocacy needs of people arising from loss of work and income, closure of businesses and schools and many other issues of concern to people living in its area.
Within the Dublin South area, planning is underway to commence an appointment based service for callers within a limited number of Citizens Information Centres (CIC's) where social distancing can be facilitated in line with current HSE Covid-19 public health advice and Return to Work Safely protocol.
Tallaght CIC is now opened for face to face appointments; Dun Laoghaire CIC will commence an appointment service from 27th July; while Ballyfermot and Rathmines will follow from mid-August or early September.
The Dublin South CIS company, which has responsibility for service provision in the southern areas of Dublin has no plans to reduce services in this area.
The aim of the 8 regional service delivery companies in the country is to continue to deliver a high-quality information, advice and advocacy service to citizens in their respective geographic areas.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
