Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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1551. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the details of each body or organisation that is scheduled to receive in excess of €1 million from her Department's Vote of expenditure or the group of Votes of expenditure connected with her Department in 2017 for the provision of services by the body or the organisation concerned; the amount involved in each case; if there is a signed service level agreement in place in respect of the services to be carried out by these bodies or organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36163/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the Deputy when contacted by my officials indicated that he is seeking data on payments of €1 million or more made to bodies under the aegis of the Department. One agency is relevant in this regard, namely the Citizens Information Board (CIB).

The 2017 REV Estimates provide for a grant of €54.05m to the CIB. The CIB is responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice (including money advice and budgeting) and advocacy on a wide range of public and social services. The CIB delivers on this remit through direct provision, by supporting a network of delivery partners, and by funding targeted projects. CIB requires annual service agreements with its network of service delivery partners.

My Department monitors CIB’s compliance with its business and financial reporting requirements as set out in relevant legislation and in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. It is in the process of finalising Oversight and Performance Delivery Agreements, as now required by that Code to formalise the oversight, monitoring and reporting arrangements already in place between the Department and the CIB. CIB is subject to monthly monitoring of its budget expenditure and requirements by my Department, in advance of its monthly grant drawdown. There are also regular meetings with senior staff of the Board’s Executive on ongoing business matters, including any new or enhanced policy or service initiatives being undertaken by CIB, or its service delivery partners. In addition, a senior official of my Department serves on the board of CIB.

CIB’s annual financial statements are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General, prior to being laid, together with its Annual Report, before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Under their role, the Chief Executive of the Board is also accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.