Written answers

Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Department of Social Protection

Citizen Information Services

Photo of Tom FlemingTom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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197. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will appoint a member of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service to the Citizens Information Board as it is appropriate and critical that this organisation have an input into the drawing up of a feasibility study for the future delivery of structures for citizen information and the service countrywide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12725/15]

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice (including money and budgeting advice service) and advocacy services on a wide range of public and social services. The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 provided for the transfer of responsibility for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) to the Citizens Information Board (CIB), under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection. CIB delivers on its remit to provide services to the public by supporting a network of delivery partners which includes 42 local Citizens Information Services (CIS) and 51 local Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS).

The legislative provisions governing Board membership of the CIB are contained in the Comhairle Act 2000, the Citizens Information Act 2007, and the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011. In September 2014, the Government agreed new arrangements for filling State Board vacancies and new Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards were issued in November 2014. Vacancies on the Board of CIB are filled in accordance with these new Guidelines and the legislative requirements.

As part of the implementation of its Strategic Plan 2012-2015, CIB commissioned a feasibility study to identify options for organisational integration by its delivery partners. This work was carried out by a company called Pathfinder and overseen by a Steering Group, comprising national representatives from Citizens Information Services staff and Boards, MABS staff and Boards and staff from the Citizens Information Board. The work included extensive and comprehensive consultation with all stakeholders, including representatives of CIB's delivery partner services (CIS and MABS) at local level. It identified a number of options for consideration. Following on from this, the Board of CIB agreed to the establishment of a Design Group tasked with outlining and recommending possible new structural models. The Design Group includes members of the voluntary boards and staff of a number of the CIS and MABS services, together with representation from CIB management. Submissions were sought by CIB from the representatives of Boards and staff of CIS and MABS, to inform the deliberations of the Design Group, which will report back to the Board in due course. Accordingly, I am satisfied that the level of engagement in the process involving all the relevant CIB delivery partners, including the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, will reflect the inputs and views of all stakeholders and will contribute to the development of more effective service delivery structures which will enhance outcomes for all citizens.

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