Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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560. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has received the 2017 annual report of the Citizens Information Board; if so, if she is satisfied with the way in which the vote in Dáil Éireann on the Citizens Information Board and MABS of 30 March 2017 is treated therein in view of the Citizens Information Board executive's subsequent course of action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28069/18]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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561. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has received the 2017 annual report of the Citizens Information Board; if so, if she is satisfied with the way in which the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Protection's Report and recommendations of 1 June 2017 are treated of therein in view of the Citizens Information Board executive's subsequent course of action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28070/18]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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562. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has received the 2017 annual report of the Citizens Information Board; if so, if she is satisfied that all expenditures reported therein meet the requirement of the Comptroller and Auditor General that public moneys may be appropriated only on the authority of Dáil Éireann, in view of the vote in Dáil Éireann on Citizens Information and MABS of 30 March 2017 and in further view of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Protection's report and recommendations of 1 June 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28071/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 560 to 562, inclusive, together.

The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body responsible for providing information, advice (including money and budgeting advice service) and advocacy services on a wide range of public and social services. CIB delivers on this remit through a network of service delivery partners including the Citizens Information Services (CIS) and the, Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS).

In February 2017, the Board of CIB made a decision to reorganise the governance arrangements of the 93 individual local companies to a new regionally based 16 company model comprising 8 CIS and 8 MABS companies. The aim of the change is to improve the effectiveness of the control environment, financial management and governance of the CIS and MABS networks which are 100% State funded. The change is about improving the governance framework, focusing on frontline service delivery to citizens, improving the consistency and quality of service delivery and where possible, extending services for those who need them. I am satisfied that the board of CIB made this decision in the best interest of the citizens which it serves.

Implementation of the Board's decision has already seen the establishment of 6 new companies – 3 CIS and 3 MABS in North Leinster, South Munster and Dublin South. All staff, assets and liabilities of the 38 local companies involved in this phase have transferred to the new companies. There has been no change to service delivery points, no reduction in staffing, nor has there been any diminution of services for clients. The final phase of implementation is now underway, with the remaining 5 CIS and 5 MABS regional companies due to be established in Q4, 2018.

The annual grant provided to CIB under Section 4 of the Comhairle Act 2000 is accounted for under Section 22 of the Act, which requires that the annual accounts, approved by the Board, are submitted to the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG).

CIB's 2017 accounts have already been submitted to the C&AG for audit. When the audit is complete, a copy of the annual accounts and the report of the CandAG will be presented to the Board and to the Minister and will then be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, as required by legislation.

Section 24 of the Comhairle Act, 2000 requires CIB to make an Annual Report to the Minister by 30th June each year. The annual report for 2017 is expected by the required date and will be laid the Houses of the Oireachtas, as required by legislation.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.