Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
706. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the efforts made by the Citizen Information Board to recruit and train new volunteers to the Citizen Information Centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37716/26]
View answerThe Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body, under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection, that funds and support the eight independent Citizens Information Service (CIS) companies, which operate the national network of Citizens Information Centres.
Following an Independent review on volunteering in the CIS, in 2024 measures were put in place to promote volunteering numbers in Citizens Information.
CIB in conjunction with CIS published an information pack on Volunteering with CIS which can be found at Volunteer with Citizens Information (www.citizensinformation.ie/en/about/volunteer-with-citizens-information/).
The Volunteering with CIS information pack provides easy to read information and video explainers for both Board and service volunteers on the following areas.
• Volunteer with Citizens Information (www.citizensinformation.ie/en/about/volunteer-with-citizens-information/#1adb97)
• What is the Citizens Information Service? (www.citizensinformation.ie/en/about/volunteer-with-citizens-information/#38ccba)
• If I volunteer with Citizens Information, what will I do? (www.citizensinformation.ie/en/about/volunteer-with-citizens-information/#5c4dc6)
• Benefits of volunteering (www.citizensinformation.ie/en/about/volunteer-with-citizens-information/#cd0750)
• What are CIS looking for from volunteers? (www.citizensinformation.ie/en/about/volunteer-with-citizens-information/#cd2d86)
• How do I apply to be a volunteer? (www.citizensinformation.ie/en/about/volunteer-with-citizens-information/#4f1af3)
As of Quarter 4 2025, there were 180 volunteers involved in the Citizens Information Service.
All vacancies for Board members and service volunteers are advertised on: www.citizensinformationboard.ie/en/news/vacancies.html. People can also contact their local CIC for information on volunteering.
South Munster CIS are currently running two campaigns on the citizens information website for volunteer roles.
My Department has supported CIB previously in promoting a radio, print and social media campaign for the recruitment of volunteers.
