Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I sincerely thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this important issue for discussion. I wish to share time with Deputy Martin Kenny, who also has a keen interest in the issue. In 2009, when the Citizens Information Board took over responsibility for the Money Advice & Budgeting Service, MABS, offices from the Department of Social Protection, unequivocal commitments were given that MABS would be a separate and distinct service within the Citizens Information Board. MABS companies were to remain independent with their own voluntary boards of management providing crucial local services.

The proposed restructuring of the local confederation of MABS towards a regional set-up, which would involve six to eight regional offices being established, would be a retrograde step and should be rejected outright. There are 51 MABS companies with 43 Citizens Information services all operating efficiently and effectively at the coalface, dealing with individuals and families who come with the full spectrum of problems and difficulties, especially mortgage issues.

I do not accept the excuse put forward for restructuring, namely, the difficulty of managing the 94 boards. The Citizens Information Board employs 74 staff and regularly uses consultants when required. I recall that originally only four staff were dealing with MABS when it was established by the Department of Social Welfare , as the Ceann Comhairle will probably recall himself. I have no doubt the employees and voluntary boards of management are prepared to play a constructive role in addressing any issues the Minister or Citizens Information Board has about their operations. However, nobody has spoken directly to them in this regard. Last week, the Minister of State told Deputy Martin Kenny there would be no change in the provision of front-line services.

Why are six to eight regional companies being established and how much will they cost? It would be interesting to cost them against the voluntary boards whose members come from various voluntary, State and semi-State organisations, bringing great experience. Some of them are retired and giving their time and effort voluntarily. What would be the management cost of the new regional companies and who would supervise the allocation process? The essence of MABS is about direct access at local levels to the communities it serves. Managing remotely has its own difficulties, hurdles and perspectives.

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