Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

40. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is satisfied with the restructuring process for Money Advice and Budgeting Services and Citizens Information Services; her views on the manner in which the process is being handled and the significant opposition to the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19178/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. 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. The first phase of the implementation process completed on 16th April, 2018 has seen the establishment of 6 new companies - 3 CIS and 3 MABS, in North Leinster (comprising Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath and Kildare), South Munster (Cork and Kerry) and Dublin South.

All staff, assets and liabilities of the 38 local companies involved in this phase have transferred to the 6 new companies. 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. There has been no change to service delivery points, no reduction in staffing, nor has there been any diminution of services for clients.

CIB welcomes the interest expressed in the new roles within the 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 has also informed me that both UNITE and SIPTU unions have confirmed that their members in both MABS and CIS companies have voted in favour of the transfer in a recent ballot.

The remaining 55 companies will transfer into the 5 new CIS and 5 new MABS Companies as they are established and it is envisaged that the next phase of transfer will be completed before the end of 2018.

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.