Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Fianna Fáil and, in particular, Deputy Willie O'Dea. I compliment the great work that the staff in MABS and the CICs do because the service they provide to the public is second to none, especially in the past few years when people have been very badly affected by the recession. In some cases if it was not for the service provided by MABS they would not have been able to cope. I completely disagree with the decision by the CIB, to regionalise the structure to deliver the CIS, in MABS. This would impact directly on how the service is delivered locally. Local voluntary boards, made up of representatives from key agencies, will be dissolved which will significantly reduce the ability to meet the needs of the community they serve. The Kerry CIS board will be dissolved and there is no guarantee of proportional representation at regional level. Kerry will potentially be swallowed by Cork as there is only one CIS in Kerry and four in Cork. The proposed change will undermine the independence, strong community ethos and voluntary nature of the service. The CIS services I have been in contact with appreciate that some sort of rationalisation is required and have presented alternative proposals but these have not been taken on board. This approach included a county model which is the preferred option for the CIS. I am glad to support the motion.

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