Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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311. To ask the Minister for Social Protection his views on the desirability of independence of the State and its agencies as an attribute, characteristic, feature and principle in the corporate governance of citizens information services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25904/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The independence of individual Citizens Information Services (CIS) companies is in no way undermined, or compromised, by its requirements to have appropriate and robust governance arrangements in place, which are compatible with the statutory and financial oversight needs of the Citizens Information Board (CIB) as the funding State body.

The countrywide network of 42 local CISs delivers information to citizens on a wide range of public and social services. Each CIS is established as a limited company, with a voluntary board of management (Board of Directors). The powers and responsibilities of each Board are outlined in the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association and underpinned by Company Law. Boards of Directors are responsible for ensuring that the company delivers its aims and objectives, using available resources to best effect.

In accordance with the principles of good governance, each CIS Board is accountable to CIB for the funding it receives. CIB in turn is accountable to the Government for its substantial annual grant of public monies and for ensuring that the services made available under its remit are delivered to a consistently high standard to all who need and rely upon them.

In 2017 CIB is set to receive €54 million of State funding, of which €13.8 million is allocated to the network of 42 CIS services.

Effective accountability is dependent on establishing clearly defined roles and responsibilities against which achievement and success in service delivery can subsequently be measured. For this reason, there are annual service agreements in place between CIB and each of its delivery partner services, setting out the commitments both parties make to each other, including the range of services to be provided. The agreements cover generic items such as service delivery, governance, financial controls, HR practices, reporting guidelines, evaluation and monitoring and enable CIB to assess if quality services and best value are being delivered across the network. It also enables CIB to identify where service weaknesses or gaps exist.

In the circumstances, it would be irresponsible of CIB not to ensure that each CIS has in place adequate working governance arrangements to manage and monitor its expenditure on the basis that its funds are entirely comprised of taxpayers’ money.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.