I am very concerned that the citizens information service is being downgraded in Carlow-Kilkenny. I know this is happening because my local service in St. Catherine's community services centre has been totally downgraded and has no development manager. Why was it decided to limit and dilute this service for the community that was traditionally provided by trained volunteers? Why were the volunteers who were operating so successfully not communicated with in advance? Is there a future for local citizens information centres when they are being closed? The decision to have paid staff leading the service, taking over from expert volunteers, is nothing short of a reduction in service. I want to know why that decision was made. It is unacceptable and the people of Carlow-Kilkenny are absolutely up in arms over it. We really need to address it.

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. It is, in my view, a serious development that needs review. The citizens information service was one of the more outstanding services provided. I said last week in the House that when I was Lord Mayor of Cork, I gave the freedom of the city to the late Maureen Curtis Black, who was a pioneer of the citizens information service and a volunteer in it. Civic engagement is always very important in society and where we have volunteers, we should cherish them. I will go back and raise this with the line Department.

I appreciate that.