The Citizens Information Board Welcomes New Chairperson

Ms. Catherine Heaney has been appointed as the new Chairperson for the Citizens Information Board (CIB) following her presentation at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands.

The announcement (today) by the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys T.D, follows an open competition conducted by the Public Appointments Service.

Speaking about her appointment Ms Heaney said: “I’m delighted to take up this appointment with the Citizens Information Board and hope that my years as a communications professional will be particularly beneficial in the role. I am acutely aware of the growing importance of trusted sources of information, and the important role which CIB has in maintaining its role as a trusted voice in the face of growing disinformation and misinformation.”

She added: “I have been deeply impressed by how CIB maintained and increased coverage and capacity during the COVID-19 crisis. The instigation of a call-back service; the introduction of a web-chat service for MABS and increased social media presence are among some of the initiatives undertaken to remain available to people while face-to-face appointments were restricted across CIB services. It is important that CIB and its services continue to be agile in communicating across all channels and all citizens – especially those who experience disadvantage - are communicated with in formats that suit their needs.”

Ms. Heaney has worked in public affairs and strategic communications in executive and non-executive roles for the past 25 years in both the public and private sectors. Since 2004, she has been Chairperson and Founding Director of DHR Communications. She has also acted as Chairperson of the National Museum of Ireland since 2016. Ms. Heaney previously served as Chairperson of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Corporate Social Responsibility Forum and as Chief Executive of the Irish Family Planning Association.

Speaking on behalf of CIB, Fiona Coyne, Acting CEO said: “I welcome the appointment of Ms. Heaney as our new Chairperson and look forward to working with her to continue the important work of CIB and the service delivery companies we fund to support all citizens.”

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys congratulated Ms. Heaney and said:

“I know Catherine is looking forward to the task of leading the Board and developing their strategy over the next five years. I am confident Catherine will uphold the highest standards in her new role and that her varied background equips her with the skills to help maintain the delivery of the Citizens Information Board’s services and ensure supports to individuals, families and communities are continued at this important time.”

The Minister has also re-appointed the following members to the Board for the terms indicated below:

Mr Ian Power	15/06/2021 - 14/06/2022
Mr Cearbhall O Meadhra	15/06/2021 - 14/06/2023
Ms Tina Leonard	15/06/2021 - 14/06/2023
Ms Mary Higgins	15/06/2021 - 14/06/2023
Dr Joanne McCarthy	15/06/2021 - 14/06/2024
Mr John Saunders	15/06/2021 - 14/06/2024