Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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946. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the reorganisation of MABS and CIS; her further views on whether the concerns of those that have expressed grave reservations regarding the reorganisation process itself and the impact it will have on MABS and CIS and those that voluntarily gave their time to these services have been adequately addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12172/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The executive of the Citizens Information Board (CIB) is implementing the decision of the Board of CIB to reorganise the governance arrangements of ninety three individual local company boards, comprising 42 Citizens Information Services (CIS) and 51 Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS), to a new regionally based sixteen company model, comprising eight CIS and eight MABS companies.

The aim of the change is to improve the effectiveness of the control environment, financial management and governance of CIS and MABS networks, which are 100% State funded. The change is about consolidating managerial and administrative efforts, focussing on front line service delivery to citizens, improving the consistency and quality of service delivery and where possible, extending services for those who need them.

As stated on previous occasions, I am satisfied that the Board of CIB, which made this important decision in February 2017, did so in the best interest of the citizens which it serves.

CIB established an Implementation Advisory Group to assist with the transition to the new governance model. Information sessions have been held for Chairpersons of local services, providing opportunities for them to seek clarification on the process of transfer to the new regional companies and wind up of existing companies. The first phase, currently underway, involves moving from thirty eight local service delivery companies to six new regional companies. CIB have assured me that there will be no job losses, no diminution of existing services, no closures of services and no disruption to services. The rationale for CIB’s decision is to improve its governance arrangements in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and to meet the requirements of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Six new regional companies, incorporated in February 2018, are now established in North Leinster, South Munster and Dublin South. Recruitment of Directors for these new regional companies is complete with approximately half of the positions being filled by applicants who served as local company board members. I am informed that the recruitment of six new Regional Manager posts is currently underway and that approximately half of the applicants for these new senior positions are existing staff of CIS and MABS services.

CIB welcomes the interest expressed in the new roles within the new regional structure by existing volunteer board members and existing staff. It is the view of CIB that the level of interest shown demonstrates support and commitment to the further development of CIS and MABS services for the citizens who rely on them.

CIB will continue to provide the necessary information and support to each of the local companies and their Chairpersons and Boards throughout the transition process.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.