Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would like to move away from what has been dominating Leaders' Questions to an issue that is causing a great deal of concern for many people in both rural and urban Ireland. That concern has been brought about because of the way in which Citizens Information Services, CIS, has been dismantled because of decisions taken by the Citizens Information Board, CIB. CIS comprises 113 local information services and 100 outreach services. Services link clients with Free Legal Advice Centres, FLAC, Women's Aid and migrant services and address a wide range of issues such as employment, family law, tax and finance. They also source translation services because CIS is used by many of our new communities. In one year alone, there were more than 600,000 callers nationally. In the north east and north west of Dublin's inner city services engaged with 16,000 residents and the figure for Dublin overall was 40,000. Those availing of services have difficulty in dealing with Departments and agencies, local authorities and in understanding Government schemes and services.

CIS has proved to be a trusted intermediary between the public and the State. Staff have been efficient and professional. One of the service's strengths has been their independence but recently the CIB decided to put in place a restructuring implementation committee. The changes it proposed have led to a great deal of disquiet about adverse effects. The concerns of CIS were outlined to the CIB, but they were ignored. The National Association of Citizens Information Services, NACIS, together with the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, national management forum and managers network, brought these concerns to the Joint Committee on Social Protection. Its report concluded that the restructuring plan was "flawed and ill-considered", but it was ignored by the CIB. A motion was passed in the House by a large majority calling for a halt to the proposed restructuring, but it was also ignored by the CIB.

The reasons given by the board for restructuring were that it would lead to efficiencies, save money and improve services, but there was no evidence to support this. It will cost between €8 million and €9 million to dismantle the current system and that money is going to private consultancy firms in accountancy and law. One aspect of the restructuring will create another tier of regional managers and boards which will lead to additional costs. With regard to efficiencies, the organisation has been efficient. The restructuring will damage services, with some having to close. Staff and volunteers are demoralised and demotivated by the total disregard shown for their concerns and the determination of the CIB to bulldoze its way through them. The restructuring goes against everything the service stands for, especially its independence. The joint committee asked that there be a new, inclusive and transparent consultation process. I am seeking such a process before further damage is done to a service that is efficient and professional.

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