John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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99. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the concerns raised by her Department as referenced in the recently published cost benefit analysis undertaken on behalf of the Citizens' Information Board regarding the structure of the MABS service prior to the restructuring plans now underway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8341/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The aim of the decision by the Board of the Citizens information Board (CIB) to restructure local Citizens Information Services (CIS) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) company boards is to improve the governance arrangements with its downstream service delivery partners. It must be remembered that citizen centric CIS and MABS services are 100% funded by the Exchequer. It is essential that each company operates to modern and evolving standards of corporate governance, including compliance with necessary financial and audit requirements. Under the current unwieldy arrangements, each of the 93 services operates as independent entities and considerable administrative effort is required in the maintenance of each individual company. Many common services are delivered to citizens across the country, so opportunities exist to improve service standards and consistency nationwide.

Reducing the administrative burden on local service managers and re-direction of valuable resources to front line services will improve services for those who rely on them.

In parallel, improved monitoring of service delivery will assist CIB in identifying weaknesses and assist regional services in getting appropriate and suitable supports in place.

A reduction in the number of individual, yet similar, CIS and MABS companies from 93 to 16 will better facilitate adherence to required governance standards, assist CIB in meeting its legislative responsibilities as direct funder and bring CIS and MABS organisations more into line with modern public service governance guidelines and requirements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.