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

I thank Deputy O'Dea, and I thank Deputy Curran for the question.

The executive of the Citizens Information Board, CIB, is in the process of implementing the decision of the board to reorganise the governance arrangements of the 93 individual local company boards, comprising 42 citizens information services and 51 Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, companies, to create a new regionally based 16-company model comprising eight citizens information services and eight MABS companies. The CIB is not planning to review the decision of the statutorily appointed board.

The aim of the change is to improve the effectiveness of the control environment, financial management and governance of the CIS and MABS networks, which are 100% State funded. The change is about improving the governance framework, focusing on front-line service delivery to citizens, improving the consistency and quality of service delivery and, where possible, extending services for those who need them. We all know there are thousands of unfortunate people who use this valuable service and continue to need it.

I believe I stated on previous occasions that I am very satisfied that the board of CIB made its important decision of February 2017 in the best interest of the citizens it serves.

The first phase of the implementation process has seen the establishment of six new companies, namely three citizens information services and three MABS companies, in south Dublin, in north Leinster, comprising Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath and Kildare, and in south Munster, comprising Cork and Kerry.

All staff, assets and liabilities of the 38 local companies involved in this phase have been transferred to the six new companies. There has been no change to service delivery and no reduction in staffing, nor has there been, or will there be any diminution of services for clients.

The remaining 55 companies will transfer into the five new citizens information services and five new MABS companies as they are established, and it is envisaged that the next phase of transfer will be completed before the end of 2018. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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