Seán Sherlock
Ceist:1166. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures she is taking to protect the role of volunteers in the Citizens Information Service. [43763/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 September 2022
Ceisteanna (1166)
Freagraí scríofa
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is a statutory agency tasked with providing information, advocacy and advice to citizens. These important services are delivered by eight independent regional Citizen Information Service (CIS) companies.
The CIB provides funding to the eight CIS companies that operate a national network of Citizens Information Centres. It is very important to note that, by law, the CIB is charged with independently overseeing the delivery of the services under its remit. Similarly, each CIS is a limited company governed by a voluntary board of directors. These companies make decisions independently on the delivery of services in their own regions.
I am mindful that this is, under statute, an operational matter for CIB and its regional CIS companies and not a matter for Ministerial direction. On foot of issues raised in the media recently, I have written to the CIB requesting that it provides me with information on the implementation of the volunteer strategy by the CIS companies. I expect to receive this in the near future.
The CIS is a trusted source of information, advice and advocacy, with a long tradition of volunteering and I have been assured by the CIB that the contribution of volunteers continues to be highly valued in this regard. Volunteers have not provided an information provision role in Citizens Information Services since March 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, but I am assured that the re-engagement of volunteers providing services to the public in offices around the country has commenced and is ongoing. Indeed, volunteers have already returned to some service locations.
Further to this, I understand the CIB has undertaken to work, as a matter of priority, with the CIS regional companies to move forward on the continuing return of volunteers to the service. In addition, an independent review of the operation of the volunteer programme within CIS companies will shortly commence to ensure that the programme remains fit-for-purpose and that volunteering in the CIS is rewarding. This will include an assessment of the Volunteer Strategy and feedback from volunteers.