Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am acutely aware of the incredibly important work that the CIS and MABS do. The fantastic individuals in both organisations provide invaluable information, advice and a lifeline to people to manage and overcome their debts. It is not just a helping hand. It is a real, genuine lifesaving service, much more than we will ever know. As some of my colleagues have said previously, I also recognise that there is room for improvement in terms of efficiency and effectiveness and I am not opposed to change and reform when it makes sense. However, the restructuring plan with regard to MABS and the CIS does not make sense.

MABS and the CIS are part of the local community. They are located in towns the length and breadth of the country for a reason. They are deeply rooted in every community where they are present. In my constituency of Cork South-West I personally know people who have accessed the services of MABS in Dumanway and Citizens Information in Bantry.

To regionalise these services would be simply outrageous. The Minister has the power under the Citizens Information Act of 2007 to issue a directive to cease this proposed regionalisation immediately. It would be an honourable thing to do as so many have voiced concerns. People have not done so to be difficult. They have done so because they want a clear understanding of and contribution to what is happening. It is essential that all stakeholders are provided an opportunity to engage.

The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Leo Varadkar, stated previously that during the restructuring programme - I stress during the restructuring programme - there will be no change to services or delivery locations and no job losses. However, in dropping from 93 individual companies to 16, there is absolutely no way that huge changes will not happen. The Minister should be focusing on protecting people and their lives.

People throughout the country have suffered immensely.

This and the previous Government have done some terrible things to the people, but this is one of the worst.

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