Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
453. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Social Protection if the attention of her Department has been drawn to the closure of the Citizens Information Centre in Cobh in east County Cork, despite there being a ten-year lease on the property since 2020; the reason for this closure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25719/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory independent body as set out in the Comhairle Act 2010 which operates under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection. CIB provides funding to 22 companies in order to deliver services on its behalf. This includes eight CIS companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres, including South Munster CIS, which encompasses Cobh. These eight companies are fully responsible for the delivery of services and all related operational matters including office opening hours in their respective regions.
My Department has been informed that the Cobh CIC office is currently open three mornings per week with an Information Officer in attendance. Phone and email queries from the Cobh area are dealt with Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm. Face to face appointments are offered as required in Cork city CIC and also in Youghal CIC. Appointments at the Cobh office can be facilitated for customers who may face challenges attending at Cork or Youghal.
South Munster CIS is currently reviewing its service footprint to better support the public across the South Munster Region.
Each CIS company is responsible for all matters and decisions relating to its staff and operations, including how it delivers its services to citizens.
