Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2024
27. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps she is taking to ensure that workers in Citizens Information Service (CIS) companies are provided with a pay increase given the length of time since their last pay increase, and if she will provide the funding to the Citizens Information Board to ensure this happens via the CIS companies. [37679/24]
View answerAs you will be aware, the Citizens Information Service (CIS) comprises of eight regional companies that are funded by the Citizens Information Board (CIB), the statutory body funded by my Department. The Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS) is also funded by CIB. As I have stated on many occasions, I absolutely acknowledge and value the important information, advice and advocacy services that the staff of the CIS provide right across the country. I believe that CIS workers should be paid fairly for the important work they do and I am supportive of a pay increase.Since the Labour Court issued its recommendation in June in relation to CIS and CIPS pay, my Department has been actively engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Delivery Plan and Reform in relation to a pay agreement and expenditure requirements.In addition, talks commenced last week between representatives from SIPTU, CIS, CIB and my Department in relation to a pay agreement for the CIS and CIPS.I am hopeful that these talks, which are due to resume shortly, will result in an agreement and I strongly encourage all parties involved to continue to engage constructively in this process.
