Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While it is too early to say with certainty the impact that the restructuring process has had, it did not have widespread support. Serious reservations were expressed regarding the manner in which it was undertaken, along with the lack of a cost-benefit analysis and that it risked disenfranchising those who had contributed positively to MABS for years, namely, volunteers. Volunteers are important in every aspect of Irish life.

Fianna Fáil recognises and values the vital work that MABS and Citizens Information Services do. During the recession many individuals and families relied on the help and support offered by these services. They provided a vital lifeline for many of those who found themselves unemployed, in mortgage arrears and overwhelmed by debt. MABS gave a great service to many families who felt they had nowhere to turn for advice and guidance. It was the link many needed to prevent insanity coming into their lives and families. I know that from people I brought to MABS over the years. The half-hour of advice from MABS or being sent somewhere else for advice was important to those people.

Our party spokesperson on social protection, Deputy O’Dea, brought forward a motion in March 2017 which passed in the Dáil. It received widespread cross-party support calling for the restructuring process to be halted. Members of our party who sit on the social protection committee also welcomed the report from the committee which also called for the restructuring process to be halted for a while. Fianna Fáil raised this issue on several occasions on the floor of the Dáil and by way of parliamentary questions to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Fianna Fáil repeatedly called on the Minister to intervene in this issue and not to ignore the will of the Dáil, as well as that of the many staff and volunteers involved. Deputy Brendan Ryan put it well when he spoke about the trust factor where people were at ease when speaking to MABS volunteers. That link was important to the many families who availed of these services.

Fianna Fáil also called on the Minister to ensure any restructuring process did not result in the downgrading of the quality, effectiveness and accessibility of services to citizens. Fianna Fáil recognises there is scope for greater efficiency and effectiveness. We are not opposed to change and reform where necessary. We are, nevertheless, concerned about the considerable disquiet surrounding the restructuring process. It is vital that the concerns of those directly involved in the provision of services are taken on board. Many volunteers have given freely of their time and energy to these services. They now feel they are being pushed aside while their contribution is no longer valued or wanted. We should never let that happen to volunteers in any sector. As many of my colleagues know, this country would be in a different zone if it did not have volunteers.

The Government has not shown much regard for those who expressed concerns about the restructuring process. It is guilty of hollowing out the community and voluntary sector, often ignoring and downgrading the valuable experience and contribution of those who have given positively to their communities for many years. That is why we are supporting this Bill. We feel the restructuring has been rushed through and it was not an improvement. I am concerned that the volunteers in question are no longer part of this process. I regret the Minister used those two dreaded words “money message”. It appears that many of us who support this Bill will not be listened to. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, will take my concerns to the Minister. The Government should withdraw its opposition to the Bill and allow it to proceed to Committee Stage to be discussed further.

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