Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am assured by the Citizens Information Board that its decision to restructure the governance arrangements of its delivery partners will not impact negatively on the front-line services they provide. The changes will be at board level only and no closures or changes will occur at local delivery points. In fact, the ultimate aim of the board is to improve and expand the local delivery of services. The restructuring will allow the board to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of its partnered services and to redirect valuable resources away from back-end administrative processes to front-line service delivery for customers.

The board fully acknowledge the tremendous contributions that members of local boards have made to the development of Citizens Information service and MABS companies over the years and appreciates that some of these individuals are keen to continue playing an active role. In recognition of this, and to continue to encourage this ethos, the Citizens Information Board plans to set up local advisory groups. In addition, current local board members will be able to go forward for selection as members of the new regional boards.

The board has not taken this operational decision lightly. It comes after almost five years of extensive analysis of options and a detailed consultation process. I am satisfied that the board would not support changes that would be detrimental to the services provided locally or to the staff and volunteers working in those services. In any event, I am advised by the Attorney General that it would not be lawful or appropriate for me, as Minister, to direct the Citizens Information Board to halt the implementation of this operational decision. Furthermore, I am assured by the board that further meaningful consultation with all stakeholders will form part of the restructuring implementation process. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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