Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to make just a couple of points. I do not believe any inference is being made. We are simply responding to the multiple representations we are all receiving in terms of ensuring restructuring is not simply efficient but also effective, well grounded and well rationalised. That is the spirit in which we try to ensure the process is considered.

With regard to the cost-benefit analysis, we have asked for the costs. It concerns me that we saw in the response to a parliamentary question shared with the committee a statement by the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, that there had not been a cost-benefit analysis. That seemed to be on the same date. We received it on 14 February. On 15 February, we were told the decision was made to restructure. Given the concerns that were in the public realm, regardless of how strongly one might have been committed to this model and acknowledging the importance of ensuring it is managed carefully, it seems surprising that the decision was made on 15 February in the absence of a cost-benefit analysis. Is there one? Are there plans for one before the move to the next stage of implementation? That would be important.

I asked earlier about the risk analysis. We have talked about the delegation's hopes for what might later. A risk analysis allows an organisation to genuinely look to that. What is the risk analysis explicitly in terms of the questions of the independence of the CIB and MABS services and in terms of the volunteers and the current level of volunteer participation? I thank the delegates for the clarified figures in respect of the numbers of volunteers in both the CIB and MABS. What is the risk regarding changes that may occur? While, of course, we cannot guarantee them, we should be able to predict what they might be.

The two issues mentioned explicitly were the location of services and the terms and conditions of operation. I asked explicitly what will happen if we do have services that refuse the plan or are resistant to it or if there are those who do not wish to amalgamate. What will the plan be in that event?

If we are to have further information, what will be the scale of complaint or concern in this regard? Deputy Joan Collins mentioned that in 2014-15, all the MABS and citizens information services had received gold-standard accreditation. We are hearing that while hearing there are complaints. While it would not be appropriate to have the detail on the complaints, we need to know the scale of concern.