Offer Help at the Ploughing Championships 2017
The Citizens Information Service (CIS) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) will return to the National Ploughing Championships from 19th – 22nd September to once again offer information and advice to some of the almost 300,000 visitors expected to attend.
The Citizens Information Service will deal with a wide range of queries from visitors to the marquee – focusing in particular on flooding assistance, Farm Assist, Maternity Benefit and income supports for older people. Likewise the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) will help people with concerns over debt issues, and Abhaile, the Free Mortgage Arrears Service which is accessed through MABS, will also be on hand throughout the event to offer help and advice.
Michelle O’Hara, Development Manager, Carlow Citizens Information Service (CIS), who will be attending the Ploughing Championships commented:
“There are 215 Citizens Information Services around the country, resourced with people available to help the citizens of this country with their queries and dilemmas. No request is too small and the personal service offered at the Citizens Information offices is a vital part of the fabric of our society. The online service is also very popular with a wide range of terms searched every day. For example, during August people searched a range of topics
- Irish citizenship through birth or descent
- Fuel Allowance
- Applying for your first Irish passport
- Family Income Supplement
- Minimum rates of pay
This shows the breadth of queries the Service receives over any period. The Citizens Information Service is a free and confidential service that ensures that all citizens have easy access to good quality information, advice and advocacy. Our objective is to ensure that all citizens are fully aware of their rights and advised and assisted when the need arises to avail of the benefits or allowances to which they are entitled