Written answers

Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Departmental Agencies

8:00 pm

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the agencies, bodies or authorities under the aegis of her Department that have been scheduled for merging, amalgamation, abolition or sharing of services as announced in the budget 2009; the progress that has been made on the implementation of these organisational changes; the details of the implementation plan for these organisational changes; the cost savings that will arise from each of these organisational changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47066/08]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In Budget, 2009 the Government announced proposals in relation to the future of two of the agencies under the aegis of the Department — the Combat Poverty Agency and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). The legislative provisions to give effect to the proposed changes for the Combat Poverty Agency and the MABS are contained in the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008.

The Combat Poverty Agency is to be integrated with the Office for Social Inclusion in a new Division within the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The decision on integration was informed by the findings of a review of the Combat Poverty Agency undertaken on foot of a Government Decision of 6th June, 2007.

The Department is working with the Board of the Agency in finalising a plan for the smooth integration of both bodies. This will include meetings and workshops with the staff involved before the plan is finalised and subsequently in the course of its implementation. A Steering Committee comprising senior officials in the Department and members of the of the Agency has been set up to oversee the integration project and it is envisaged that a six month period will be required to complete the arrangements for the transition of the Combat Poverty and the Office for Social Inclusion to the new Division.

The integration of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion will create a stronger, more cohesive and better resourced body to support the Government's anti poverty and social inclusion strategies, including engagement with the social partners and other stakeholders. The quality and extent of the support provided will be much greater than each body has been able to provide separately. Integration will represent much better value for money not only for taxpayers but also for those experiencing poverty and social exclusion in terms of the improved overall support which can now be provided. There will be additional direct savings in terms of accommodation and support services. The extent and timing of these savings will be identified and dealt with as part of the implementation process which is underway.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the main Government funded service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. It is widely recognised as providing a high quality, confidential, personal service to the public that makes a significant difference to the lives of many people. There are 53 independent companies with voluntary boards of management and over 240 money advice staff operating the local services throughout the country. However, it has been recognised for some time that the Service needs a proper legislative basis and structure. The Government has decided that this can best be achieved by placing the MABS with the Citizens Information Board. It is not envisaged that significant savings or additional costs will arise on the assignment of the provision of the MABS to the Citizens Information Board. Rather the intention is, in line with the Programme for Government, to provide strong management support to the local voluntary companies in the provision of a high quality service to meet the needs of people encountering debt difficulties in today's society. Cost efficiencies will be realised in the medium to longer term through the integration of support services such as administration and IT.

It is envisaged that a six month period up to July 2009 will be required to complete the arrangements for the transfer of responsibility for the MABS to the Citizens Information Board. Details of the implementation plan are being worked out in consultation with the Citizens Information Board and the Chief Executive Officer.

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