Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The CIB is a statutory body which must carry out its role as set down by resolution of this House, including its responsibility for CIS and MABS. From my experience as the Minister involved in this particular service delivery, the members of the board of the CIB comprise some of the most experienced and competent individuals I have encountered. It is those people who have made the decision to restructure the governance arrangements. It was not done lightly and it was done after five years of consultation. I appreciate different people will say different things. However, the notes of meetings show this was first mooted nearly five years ago and the conversation carried on until the board made its decision in February 2017.

As are its right and responsibility, the board considers as one of its core objectives the delivery of valuable services to users by optimising the potential to improve the quality and consistency of those services. There are plenty of reasons, as has been laid down by the CIB during the numerous debates in the Chamber and in the Oireachtas joint committee, as to why it has made these changes. Although, people are expressing concerns as to the changes being made, nobody can point to what they think will happen that will cause a diminution of services or make them less effective, consistent or supportive. In fact, the services will either be equal or better because of the new governance arrangements. The delivery of services on the ground will show no difference except by being enhanced where there is not a delivery of services. There will be no dilution of services or of effective management locally. There will be a new national governance maintained by 16 regional bodies, as opposed to 93 local bodies beforehand.

The board takes its obligations seriously to operate to the highest governance levels. That was probably its root reason for these governance changes. It could not potentially stand over a claim that all operations were working at an equal level or on an equal footing. The board is entirely independent of me, the House and any individual Deputy. It values exceptionally its staff and volunteers. I was in Dublin Castle several months ago, attending a day out for volunteers, where I met the most gracious and energetic people who have been providing services on behalf of CIS and MABS, regionally and locally, for donkey's years. The CIB very much values and appreciates their work.

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