Citizens Information Service

The Director of the Midland Regional Authority acts as Chairperson of the County Offaly CIS which has now been established as a limited company under the auspices of Comhairle. County Offaly Citizen Information Services (Offaly CIS) provide information and advice on the rights and entitlements of the individual. Currently Offaly Citizens Information Services has three main Offices, Tullamore, Edenderry and Birr. Outreach services are provided in centres in Ferbane, Clonbullogue, Daingean and Rhode. Currently the service employs one full time manager, one part time administrator, three part time information officers, with 56 fully qualified volunteer information providers who offer an average 2.5 hrs of service to Offaly CIS per week.

The CIS have secured funding in 2007 to fill two further positions. These are for an Advocacy Resource Worker and Disability Advocacy Officer.

Working with local public representatives and community interests, Co.Offaly CIS has been able to secure funding to open a new centre in Birr. It will be officially opened in 2007.

As a resource, the centres have access to the Citizens Information Database. The service is free, confidential and independent and is part of a network of over 80 centres throughout the country. Offaly CIS provides information, advice and advocacy services, including: 

• Information on all citizens’ entitlements
• Advice on the best options that are open to a client.
• Assistance in form filling and following up an enquiry or an appeal.

This is a free, strictly confidential and independent service. It is not necessary to make an appointment and fully trained information providers deliver the service including Consumer affairs, Education opportunities, Employment Rights, Disability Information, Family Issues, Health Services, Housing, Insurance, Justice, Rural Issues, Social Welfare, Taxation, Travel and Communication and Local Voluntary Organisations. Specialist Advice Services include a monthly clinic with the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.

The CIS also provides a free legal aid service through the assistance of FLAC.

The Citizens Information Centres recently formed an Association of Citizens Information Centres which convene on a Regional and National basis. The Director of the Midland Regional Authority is Chair of the Region II and Vice-Chair of the National Committee.