Alan Kelly
Ceist:277. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection when volunteers will return to citizens information offices. [27100/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 May 2022
Ceisteanna (277)
Freagraí scríofa
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body with responsibility for the Citizens Information Service (CIS). CIB provides funding to eight CIS companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres.
Each CIS is a limited company overseen by a board of directors and makes decisions independently on the delivery of services in their regions.
Volunteers have not provided an information provision role in Citizens Information Services for over two years during the Covid-19 pandemic. The updates and changes to information, advice and advocacy that have taken place during the past two years have been unprecedented.
In light of this, my Department understands that CIB and the CIS have set up a Volunteer Strategy Working Group, which is currently working on proposals regarding the future role of volunteers in the Citizens Information Services. Recommendations from this group will inform CIB and CIS of the most suitable way to re-engage volunteers to support the services and deliver information, advice, and advocacy to the public.
The future of the role of volunteers is not a Ministerial decision but entirely an operational matter for CIB and its regional companies.