Citizens Information Services (CISs) provide the face-to-face service to the public. They are supported and funded by the Citizens Information Board. Citizens Information Services provide free, impartial and confidential information, advice and advocacy. Each Citizens Information Service covers a geographical area, either country-wide or part of an urban area, and delivers its services through a network of Citizens Information Centres (CICs).
Citizens Information Services (CIS) are companies which allow callers to access face-to-face information on public and social services on a drop-in basis. There are Citizens Information Centres right across Ireland, and these are supported by outreach locations and a mobile service. For more information please see: http://www.citizensinformation.ie
Eight new Regional Boards will replace the 42 existing local CIS Boards. This restructuring process is at Board level only. It does not involve any reduction or closure of any services – all current centres will remain open for business; there will be no physical moves for any services or staff. Current employees of the 42 existing local service Boards will transfer to the 8 new regional companies. The regional company South Munster Citizens Information Service CLG, amalgamates the following Citizens Services; Kerry, West Cork, North & East County Cork, Cork City South and Cork City North.
The main objects of the SMCIS are:
• The advancement of education and to benefit the community within the Region through the provision of a free and confidential information, advice and advocacy service to the community
• To inform, educate and empower all individuals in the Region without discrimination on the grounds of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the traveller community,
• To support citizens by ensuring that they are aware of all their civil and social rights and entitlements and their civic duties and of the social services that exist in the Region. In providing this service, the companies must adhere to the financial and operational guidelines for Citizens Information Services as prescribed by the Citizens Information Board from time to time.
The SMCIS also has a social policy role. It supports members of the public by researching and providing information on the effectiveness of current social policy and services, and highlights issues that are of concern to users of those services.